Pakistan plan to file a formal complaint with the ICC regarding the behaviour of Indian players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, despite securing a commanding victory to claim the title for the second time.
In Sunday’s final, Pakistan Under-19 posted 347 for eight and then bowled India out for 156, winning by 191 runs. The triumph marked Pakistan’s first Under-19 Asia Cup title in 13 years and only their second overall.
The match, however, was marred by tense moments on the field. Pakistan Under-19 head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed raised concerns over India’s behaviour during the game, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board to take action.
Speaking at a reception hosted by Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Indian players repeatedly tried to provoke Pakistani cricketers during the final.
“In the Under-19 Asia Cup final, Indian players repeatedly attempted to provoke our players,” Naqvi said. “We will formally notify the ICC about this incident. Politics and sport should be kept separate.”
Sarfaraz also criticised India’s conduct, describing it as contrary to the spirit of the game.
“India’s behaviour was inappropriate and went against the spirit of cricket,” he said. “Despite this, we celebrated our victory in a sporting manner. Cricket should always be played with the right mindset, and their behaviour reflected otherwise.”
This is not the first disciplinary issue in India–Pakistan encounters. During the men’s senior Asia Cup in 2025, players from both sides, including Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and India’s Suryakumar Yadav, faced sanctions for breaching the ICC code of conduct.
