U19 Asia Cup 2025: Sarfaraz Ahmed slams India’s 'unethical' conduct

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 cricket team mentor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has broken his silence over India’s conduct during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, describing it as “unethical” and lacking in sportsmanship.

The boys in green produced a dominant all-round display in the final, bowling India out for 156 in 26.2 overs while defending a massive 348-run target to register a thumping 191-run victory.

Speaking at a media conference, Sarfaraz commented on India’s behavior during the final.

"India's behavior regarding the game was not good, and the Indian team's conduct in cricket was unethical. But we celebrated the victory with sportsmanship, because there should always be sportsmanship in cricket; what India did is their own action," Sarfaraz said.

The 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain also revealed that prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a cash reward of Rs10 million for each team member in recognition of their historic achievement—the country’s first ACC U19 title.

"The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs10 million for each player, and in the future, these young players will make the country proud," he added.

The wicketkeeper lauded the young squad for their exceptional performance in the final and highlighted the recognition they received during their meeting with the Prime Minister.

"Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the players during the meeting," he said. "The national Under-19 cricket team displayed excellent cricket, and the players and coaching staff worked tirelessly to achieve this success."

The former Pakistan captain also lauded middle-order batter Ahmed Hussain for playing a gutsy knock of 56 off 72 deliveries, which included three fours and a six.

Sameer Minhas was in exceptional form, top-scoring with 172 off 113 deliveries, featuring 17 fours and nine sixes.

“Ahmed Hussain’s innings was as important as Sameer Minhas’,” said Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Head coach Shahid Anwar echoed Sarfaraz’s praise, outlining the preparation that paved the way for the team’s triumph.

"From June 17, we began a talent hunt with seventy players, conducting trials to identify the best prospects," Anwar explained. "Each player was given four matches to prove themselves, and those who performed well were invited to the final camp."

The final ten-day camp, held in Karachi, saw participation from former cricketers who helped polish the young squad’s skills.

"Our goal upon leaving the country was clear: to win the trophy and, more importantly, to win the hearts of cricket fans," Anwar added.