PCB to file ICC complaint over India U19 conduct after Asia Cup final
PCB to file ICC complaint over India U19 conduct after Asia Cup final
Pakistan plans to report Indian U19 players’ conduct to the ICC after a 191-run Asia Cup final win, with Sarfaraz Ahmed and Naqvi condemning the on-field behaviour.
In Delhi, Pakistan's Under-19 team sealed a commanding 191-run victory in the Asia Cup final, posting 347 for 8 before India's innings folded for 156 in 26.2 overs. Sameer Minhas delivered a historic century to set the tone for Pakistan, who celebrated their second U19 Asia Cup title and first since 2012. The emphatic win capped a tournament marked by tense moments and sharp exchanges between the two sides.
Following the match, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the ACC, confirmed plans to lodge a formal complaint with the ICC over what he described as provocation by Indian players and conduct not in keeping with the spirit of cricket. He stressed that politics and sport should remain separate, signaling that Pakistan would present a formal case to the global body regarding the incident.
Pakistan's Under-19 mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed echoed these concerns, arguing that some Indian players crossed lines and acted in a manner contrary to cricket's values. He insisted that while Pakistan conducted themselves with sportsmanship and celebrated the victory gracefully, there were persistent questions about the opponents' behaviour throughout the final.
The match and its aftermath also drew attention to crowd reactions, with 14-year-old Indian star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being booed by Pakistan fans after his early dismissal and the team’s heavy collapse. Sooryavanshi, who had been one of India's standout players across the tournament, remained composed despite the taunts and finished the event with a strong overall tally.
In a ceremonial moment, Pakistan's team and staff were later honoured at a reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscoring the significance of the title for Pakistan cricket after a long wait. Naqvi's threat to escalate the matter to the ICC, paired with Sarfaraz Ahmed's public call for ethical conduct, has sharpened the narrative around sportsmanship and rivalry in youth cricket.
As the dust settles from a dramatic final, discussions are likely to continue about how youth cricket matches are played and what standards should govern bench-side banter, on-field disputes, and post-match celebrations. The focus remains on safeguarding the sport’s values while recognizing the competitive edge that makes such finals memorable.
