The ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 Final was not just the one-sided affair that was won by Pakistan but also a controversial one thanks to the Indian players’ behavior. After lifting the trophy, Pakistan U19 team mentor and manager Sarfaraz Ahmed has criticized India U19 players’ behavior, calling it disappointing and against the spirit of the game.
The India U19 team had already avoided shaking hands during their league match in the U19 Asia Cup 2025, and they followed the same in the final in Dubai. The drama escalated further during the presentation ceremony when the Indian players reportedly chose not to collect their runners-up trophy directly from the 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 Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, was present at the venue throughout the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final and the awards ceremony. But the Indian team did not go to Naqvi to receive their runners-up medals.
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Instead, the medals were handed over to the India U19 team by the ICC Associate Member Director Mubashshir Usmani. Adding to the awkward moment, the Indian players did not step onto the podium where Naqvi was standing.
They received their medals at a separate spot on the ground, just before the stage, which questioned their sportsmanship and raised many eyebrows. The tension was not limited to the ceremony. During the final, emotions were high on the field.
Indians ki tarah jahil nahi hona hain: Sarfaraz Ahmed
India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre and young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi were involved in heated exchanges with Pakistan fast bowler Ali Raza on different occasions.
On the other hand, Sarfaraz Ahmed was seen guiding his players from the dugout and repeatedly asking them to stay calm and behave responsibly.
The Pakistan U19 team mentor stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and respecting the game by saying, “Tameez ke dairay mein rehna, Indians ki tarah jahil nahi hona hain.”
Sarfaraz Ahmed to Pak U19 boys in the dugout: ‘Tameez ki tarah rehna, Jahilon ki tarah jahil nahi hona!’ 💀
Perfect advice for Ind v Pak rivalry . Win with class, no uchhal-kood overdrive. Respect, Safi bhai! 🏏🇵🇰 #U19AsiaCupFinal #IndvsPak
— Azam-K (@MusafirNagri) December 21, 2025
Sarfaraz Ahmed slams India U19 players’ conduct, calls it unethical and disrespectful
After returning to Pakistan, Sarfaraz expressed his displeasure over India’s conduct. He pointed out that Pakistan celebrated their victory in a respectful and sporting manner, while India’s actions reflected a poor attitude. He made it clear that rivalries should never cross the line of respect.
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He said at the press conference, “India’s attitude during the game was not good & their conduct on the field was unethical. We celebrated our win with proper sportsmanlike spirit. Whatever India did was their personal choice, but cricket should always be played with respect & sportsmanship.”
Sarfaraz Ahmed said, “India’s attitude during the game was not good & that their conduct on the field was unethical. We celebrated our win with proper sportsmanlike spirit. Whatever India did was their personal choice, but cricket should always be played with respect &… pic.twitter.com/c8ex1Jhunk
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) December 22, 2025
Sarfraz Ahmed on “Tameez ke dairay mein rehna Indian ki tarah jahil nahi hona”🔥
“India’s attitude during the game was not good their conduct on the field was unethical. We celebrated our win with proper sportsman spirit. Whatever India did was their personal choice, but cricket… pic.twitter.com/oLzWagLCv8
— junaiz (@dhillow_) December 22, 2025
Shahbaz Sharif recognizes Pakistan U19 stars with big cash reward
Earlier, Pakistan’s U19 team received a huge reward after their Asia Cup 2025 triumph. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that each player would get 10 million rupees (around 36,000 USD) for their outstanding performance in the tournament, especially in the final against India.
The Pakistan colts crushed India by 191 runs in the final. The announcement came during a special reception in Islamabad for the players and team officials, where the Prime Minister personally congratulated them and announced the prize, recognizing their achievement, encouraging the young cricketers, and celebrating Pakistan’s rising cricket talent.
