The ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 final was not only a one-sided affair which was won by Pakistan but it was also controversial due to the behavior of the Indian players. After lifting the trophy, Pakistan U19 team mentor and manager Sarfaraz Ahmed criticized the behavior of India U19 players, calling it disappointing and against the spirit of the game.
The India U19 team had already avoided shaking hands during their league match at the U19 Asia Cup 2025, and they followed suit in the final in Dubai as well. Drama escalated during the presentation ceremony when the Indian players reportedly decided not to collect their runners-up trophy directly from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi.
Sarfaraz Ahmed condemns India U19’s attitude in U19 Asia Cup 2025 final
Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Interior Minister of Pakistan, was present at the venue during the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final and awards ceremony. But the Indian team did not go to Naqvi to collect its runner-up medal.
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Instead, the medals were handed over to the India U19 team by ICC Associate Member Director Mubasshir Usmani. An awkward moment was added when the Indian players did not step on the stage where Naqvi was standing.
He received his medals in a different location on the field just before the podium, raising questions about his sportsmanship and raising many eyebrows. The tension was not limited to the ceremony only. Emotions were at their peak on the field during the final.
Should not be like Indians: Sarfaraz Ahmed
India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre and young batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi were involved in heated exchanges with Pakistan fast bowler Ali Raza on separate occasions.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, on the other hand, was seen guiding his players from the dugout and repeatedly asking them to remain calm and behave responsibly.
The Pakistan U19 team mentor stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and respecting the game, saying, “To live in the field of civility is not to be ignorant like the Indians.”
Sarfaraz Ahmed tells Pak U19 boys in the dugout: ‘Live like a well-mannered person, don’t be a goth like the goths!’
Perfect advice for India vs Pak rivalry. Win with class, no jumpy. Respect Safi Bhai! #U19AsiaCupFinal #IndvsPak
– Azam-K (@MusafirNagri) 21 December 2025
Sarfaraz Ahmed criticized the conduct of India U19 players, calling it unethical and disrespectful
After returning to Pakistan, Sarfaraz expressed his displeasure over India’s conduct. He said Pakistan celebrated its victory in a dignified and sporting manner, while India’s actions reflected a poor attitude. He made it clear that rivalry should never cross the limits of respect.
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“India’s attitude during the game was not good and their conduct on the field was unethical. We celebrated our win with proper sportsmanship. Whatever India did was their personal choice, but cricket should always be played with respect and sportsmanship,” he said at the press conference.
Sarfaraz Ahmed said, “India’s attitude during the game was not good and their conduct on the field was unethical. We celebrated our win in proper sporting spirit. Whatever India did was their personal choice, but cricket should always be played with respect and… pic.twitter.com/c8ex1Jhunk
– Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) 22 December 2025
Sarfaraz Ahmed on “Living in the era of civility, not being ignorant like India”
“India’s attitude during the game was not good, their conduct on the field was unethical. We celebrated our win with proper sporting spirit. Whatever India did was their personal choice, but cricket… pic.twitter.com/oLzWagLCv8
– Junaz (@dhilllow_) 22 December 2025
Shahbaz Sharif honors Pakistan U19 stars with big cash prize
Earlier, Pakistan U19 team got a big reward after winning the Asia Cup 2025. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that each player will receive Rs 10 million (approximately USD 36,000) for their outstanding performance in the tournament, especially in the final against India.
In the final, Pakistan defeated India by 191 runs. The announcement took place during a special reception in Islamabad for the players and team officials, where the Prime Minister personally congratulated them and announced the awards recognizing their achievement, encouraging young cricketers and celebrating Pakistan’s growing cricket talent.
