New Delhi: Pakistan’s U-19 team secured their second Under-19 Asia Cup crown, and their first in 13 years after thrashing India by 191 runs on Sunday. The emphatic win was set up by Sameer Minhas outstanding knock as he scored 172 off 113 deliveries, which powered Pakistan to a massive target of 347/8. Ayush Mhatre-led India, failed to chase the target and were bowled out
Sarfaraz accused India’s Under-19 team of showing “unethical” behaviour
While Pakistan’s on-field dominance stood out, the post-match reaction also grabbed headlines. After the final, Sarfaraz accused the India’s Under-19 team of showing “unethical” behaviour, due to their actions during the lopsided contest fell short of expected sportsmanship.
“We have played against Indian teams that respected cricket. The way the young boys behaved was disrespectful towards the sport,” Sarfaraz said.
“I clearly told my players that celebrations should be respectful. I wanted the boys to show their ability in this format. I told my boys: back yourself, let them do what they are doing.”
Sarfaraz Ahmed said U-19 Pakistan team celebrated in a measured manner
The former Pakistan captain added that the team opted to celebrate their victory in a measured manner, despite what he described as provocation from the opposition.
“India’s behaviour 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.” he added
During the game, a video from the Pakistan dugout went viral on social media, showing Sarfaraz speaking to his players in their native language. The clip, which quickly stirred online debate, contained a message that roughly translated to: “You don’t play against ignorant people by becoming ignorant yourself; you must play within the bounds of decency.”
Although the video’s authenticity couldn’t be independently confirmed at first, Sarfaraz later revealed that during a press conference that the remarks were his, made in reaction to what he described as India’s behaviour in the final.
The episode has intensified the already fierce India-Pakistan rivalry at the junior level, making Pakistan’s long-awaited Asia Cup victory a talking point not only for their on-field performance but also for discussions about conduct and sportsmanship in youth cricket.