Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to formally approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what it describes as provocative and unsportsmanlike behavior by Indian players during the final of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup. The decision was announced by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who expressed serious concern over the conduct displayed in a match that was meant to celebrate youth cricket and sportsmanship.
Speaking to the media during a reception hosted by the Prime Minister in honor of Pakistan’s victorious Under-19 Asia Cup team, Mohsin Naqvi said that Indian players repeatedly attempted to provoke Pakistani players throughout the final. He emphasized that such behavior goes against the spirit of the game and should not be tolerated at any level of cricket, particularly in junior tournaments that are meant to nurture future stars.
“The Under-19 Asia Cup final saw repeated attempts by Indian players to provoke our players,” Naqvi said. “Politics and sports should always be kept separate. What happened in the final was not appropriate, and we are informing the ICC about this matter so that it can be addressed at the relevant forum.”
Naqvi reiterated that cricket should remain a platform for healthy competition, mutual respect, and fair play. He noted that junior-level tournaments carry added responsibility, as young players are still learning not only technical skills but also discipline, ethics, and respect for opponents. According to him, allowing such conduct to go unchecked could set a negative precedent for future international cricket.
The PCB chairman’s remarks came during an official ceremony in Islamabad, where the Prime Minister hosted a reception to honor the Pakistan Under-19 team for their remarkable achievement in the tournament. The team received widespread praise for their dominant performance in the final, as well as for maintaining composure and professionalism despite the alleged provocations.
Backing the PCB chairman’s stance, Pakistan Under-19 team mentor and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed also criticized the behavior of the Indian team during the final. Sarfaraz, who has extensive experience in international cricket, said that India’s conduct on the field was disappointing and fell short of the standards expected at this level.
“The attitude of the Indian team during the match was not good from a cricketing point of view,” Sarfaraz said. “There was unsportsmanlike behavior, which should not be part of the game. On the other hand, our players celebrated the victory with true sportsman spirit. They focused on their performance, showed unity, and played as a team.”
Sarfaraz praised the Pakistani youngsters for maintaining discipline and maturity despite the tense atmosphere. He emphasized that cricket is not only about winning and losing but also about upholding values such as respect, fairness, and integrity. “Competition is important in cricket, but ethics and respect must always come first,” he added.
The final of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup was played on Sunday in Dubai and ended in a historic victory for Pakistan. Pakistan defeated India by a massive margin of 191 runs, showcasing complete dominance in all departments of the game. The standout performance came from Samir Minhas, whose brilliant batting laid the foundation for Pakistan’s commanding total.
Pakistan’s bowlers then capitalized on the strong batting display, dismantling the Indian batting lineup and securing one of the most emphatic victories in the history of the Under-19 Asia Cup. The win not only earned Pakistan the prestigious title but also highlighted the depth of young talent emerging in the country.
Cricket analysts and former players have lauded Pakistan’s performance, calling it a statement victory that reflects strong grassroots development and effective youth programs. Many have also praised the team’s calm and professional response to provocation, noting that maintaining discipline under pressure is a hallmark of champion sides.
The issue of on-field behavior, particularly between Pakistan and India, has often drawn attention due to the intense rivalry between the two nations. However, experts stress that such rivalries must be expressed through competitive cricket rather than verbal exchanges or provocative gestures. This is especially crucial at the Under-19 level, where players are still shaping their attitudes and professional identities.
By deciding to raise the issue with the ICC, the PCB aims to ensure that international standards of conduct are upheld and that young cricketers are guided in the right direction. Officials believe that formal communication with the ICC will help reinforce the importance of discipline and sportsmanship in international cricket.
While the ICC has not yet responded publicly to the PCB’s announcement, it is expected that the governing body will review the matter in accordance with its code of conduct. Any action, if taken, would likely focus on ensuring that future matches are played in a respectful and professional environment.
For Pakistan, the focus remains on celebrating a well-deserved triumph. The Under-19 team’s comprehensive victory over arch-rivals India has been hailed as a proud moment for the nation, not only because of the result but also due to the dignified manner in which the players conducted themselves.
As celebrations continue, PCB officials and former players hope that the success of the Under-19 side will inspire a new generation of cricketers to excel on the field while upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship off it. The episode serves as a reminder that true victory in sport lies not only in winning trophies but also in respecting the spirit of the game.
