Pakistan to raise player provocation at U19 World Cup final with ICC

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Boeard (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that the Under-19 team’s victory was a matter of pride and a historic day for Pakistan.

He said that Indian players had provoked Pakistani players during the match and that the issue would be taken up with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, he said that the national team put in an outstanding performance against India, stressing that politics and sports should be kept separate.

Naqvi said that talented players from the Under-19 squad would go on to become part of the national team.

He said that Indian players had again provoked Pakistani players during the match, while Pakistani players showed restraint and patience. He said the matter would be reported to the ICC.

It may be recalled that Pakistan defeated India in a one-sided contest in the Under-19 Asia Cup final played in Dubai a day earlier.

Meanwhile, head coach Shahid Anwar revealed that Pakistan’s Under-19 team’s Asia Cup triumph was the result of a carefully planned selection process, strong backing from the management, and fearless cricket on the field, team officials and players said following the historic win.

He said that the groundwork for the successful campaign began months earlier.

“The process started on June 17, when 70 players were called for trials,” he said. After evaluating performances, a training camp was organised for 30 shortlisted players, who were then given opportunities in a one-day tournament to assess their match readiness. “Before heading to the Asia Cup, our goal was clear — to win the trophy and the hearts of the fans,” Anwar added.