Sarfaraz Ahmed praises his own side for responding with professionalism and sportsmanship
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will be performing managerial duties in the upcoming edition of HBL Pakistan Super League season 10. Photo: PSL
Pakistan Under-19 cricket team mentor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has strongly criticised India’s conduct during the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 final, describing it as “unethical” and contrary to the spirit of the game, while praising his own side for responding with professionalism and sportsmanship.
Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round performance in the final, defending a mammoth 348-run target and bowling India out for 156 in 26.2 overs to clinch their maiden ACC U19 Asia Cup title with a resounding 191-run victory at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
Speaking at a media conference in Islamabad after the triumph, Sarfaraz did not hold back while addressing India’s on-field behaviour during the blockbuster clash.
“India’s behaviour during the game was not good, and their conduct was unethical,” Sarfaraz said. “However, we celebrated the victory with sportsmanship because cricket should always be played in the right spirit. What India did is their own action.”
The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning captain also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a substantial cash reward to honour the young champions.
“The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs10 million for each player, and in the future, these young cricketers will make the country proud,” Sarfaraz added.
Following their historic success, the Pakistan Under-19 squad received a hero’s welcome in Islamabad. On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a luncheon in their honour, personally congratulating the players and management for their landmark achievement. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and several federal ministers were also in attendance, highlighting the significance of Pakistan’s triumph on the continental stage.
Sarfaraz lauded the team’s collective effort in the final, singling out key batting contributions that laid the foundation for the massive total. While Sameer Minhas stole the spotlight with a breathtaking 172 off 113 balls, featuring 17 fours and nine sixes, Sarfaraz emphasised the importance of middle-order batter Ahmed Hussain’s composed innings.
“Ahmed Hussain’s knock was as important as Sameer Minhas’ innings,” Sarfaraz said, referring to Ahmed’s 56 off 72 deliveries, which included three fours and a six and helped Pakistan maintain momentum in the middle overs.
Head coach Shahid Anwar echoed Sarfaraz’s sentiments and shed light on the extensive preparation that underpinned Pakistan’s dominant campaign in the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025.
“We began a talent hunt on June 17, with nearly seventy players participating in trials,” Anwar explained. “Each player was given four matches to prove himself. Those who performed consistently were invited to the final camp.”
The final ten-day training camp, held in Karachi, featured involvement from former Pakistan cricketers who worked closely with the squad to fine-tune skills and build mental resilience.
“When we left Pakistan, our goal was clear,” Anwar added. “We wanted to win the trophy and also win the hearts of cricket fans—and I believe we achieved both.”
The emphatic victory over arch-rivals India not only secured Pakistan’s first ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup title, but also reinforced the country’s growing strength at junior level. With a blend of fearless batting, disciplined bowling and strong leadership off the field, Pakistan’s young cricketers have laid down a powerful marker for the future of Pakistan cricket.
