Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding Indian players’ conduct during the Under-19 Asia Cup final.
Speaking to media at a reception hosted by the Prime Minister in Islamabad to honor the Asian Under-19 champion team, Naqvi addressed the incidents that marred Sunday’s final in Dubai.
“Politics and sports should remain separate. Yesterday, Indian players kept provoking our players throughout the match. We are informing the ICC about this matter,” Naqvi stated.
Pakistan Under-19 team mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed criticized India’s approach to the game, emphasizing the contrast in sportsmanship between the two sides.
“India’s behavior regarding the sport was not good at all. The Indian team adopted unethical conduct,” Sarfaraz said. “We celebrated our victory with sportsmanship spirit. The team delivered excellent cricket and displayed outstanding teamwork.”
The former Pakistan captain stressed the importance of maintaining standards in cricket. “Competition in cricket must always be accompanied by ethics and respect at the highest level,” he added.
Pakistan secured the Asia Cup title with a commanding 191-run victory over India in Dubai on Sunday, thanks to Samir Minhas’s brilliant batting performance.
Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team received a spectacular welcome at Islamabad International Airport upon their return. PCB Chief Operating Officer Samir Ahmad Syed, Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed, and other cricket board officials greeted the players and support staff upon arrival.
A massive crowd of cricket fans gathered at the airport to celebrate the young champions, with the occasion marked by a stunning fireworks display.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rewarded Pakistan’s young cricket heroes with PKR 10 million each after their dominant Asia Cup victory.
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also met the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team at the General Headquarters to congratulate them on their historic triumph.