PCB to approach ICC over ‘provocation’ by Indian players in U19 Asia Cup final

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday announced that the board would approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what he described as “provocative behaviour” by Indian players during the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 final.

Pakistan Under-19 side delivered a dominant performance in the title clash, thrashing arch-rivals India by a massive 191-run margin in the blockbuster final held at the ICC Academy on Sunday. Speaking at a reception hosted by prime minister Shehbaz Sharif in honour of the Asian Under-19 champions, Naqvi expressed concern over the conduct of the Indian players during the match. “Indian players kept provoking Pakistani players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final,” Naqvi said. “Pakistan will formally inform the ICC about the incident. Politics and sports should always be kept separate.”

Cricketing ties between the two neighbouring countries have long remained strained due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Also addressing the gathering, Pakistan Under-19 team mentor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed strongly criticised India’s conduct during the final, terming it “unethical”. “India’s behaviour during the game was not appropriate, and their conduct was against the spirit of cricket,” Sarfaraz said.

“Despite that, we celebrated our victory with sportsmanship. Cricket should always be played in the right spirit; what India did reflects their own actions.” Pakistan’s emphatic triumph in the final capped off a remarkable campaign and underlined the team’s discipline and maturity, with officials reiterating their commitment to upholding sportsmanship on and off the field. Staff Report