After Pakistan’s Under-19 team triumphed over India in the Asia Cup final, former Pakistan captain and current U-19 mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed reminded his players to celebrate responsibly. He emphasized that their victory should be marked with respect and sportsmanship, not by mimicking any inappropriate behaviour from the opposition.
Sarfaraz addressed a viral video from the final in which he was heard advising his players to maintain composure, even if India’s players crossed lines. The match had witnessed a tense moment when Indian batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi, after being dismissed by Ali Raza, made a controversial gesture with his shoe while walking off the field.
Reflecting on that incident, Sarfaraz said, “I played against those Indian teams who treated cricket purely as a sport. From the outside, I noticed some behaviour that wasn’t right. One of their players made a gesture we all saw on the screen—it was inappropriate. On-field issues can be addressed during the game, but that response was out of line.”
He added, “Regarding the video, my message to the boys was simple: celebrate, but with decorum. We don’t emulate what others do. We show sportsmanship, stay calm, and support our team while letting them enjoy their performance.”
Pakistan’s win in Dubai was emphatic, defeating India by 191 runs. The team received a warm welcome on return home, including a meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who announced a PKR 10 million reward for each squad member. Opener Sameer Minhas scored a remarkable 172 off 113 balls, earning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament awards, while Ali Raza’s 4-42 bowled India out for 156.
Captain Farhan Yousaf praised the supportive environment created by the management. “The management encouraged us to play fearless cricket. They spoke to each player, assuring us to play our natural game without fear. They took responsibility for losses but credited the wins entirely to us,” he said.
Sarfaraz himself is well-versed in youth cricket, having risen through Pakistan’s U-19 system and leading the team to a U-19 World Cup title in 2006. Since his appointment as mentor earlier this month, he has been actively involved in guiding and motivating the young squad.
“The team already had immense potential,” Sarfaraz noted. “When I joined the camp in Multan, I saw the coaching staff had put in tremendous work. The way the management backed the boys and how the players responded was remarkable. I told them to fulfill their potential and not be nervous about anything.”
He encouraged the team to embrace their natural abilities. “These are the players who will represent Pakistan for the next 15-20 years. Play your natural games and make memories that will last a lifetime. This is your time to enjoy and express your cricket.”
The emphatic win, combined with Sarfaraz’s guidance, has reinforced the importance of blending discipline with celebration. Pakistan’s U-19 side now looks poised not just to succeed on the field, but to uphold the spirit and decorum of the game.
This approach ensures that while victories are celebrated, the focus remains on respect, professionalism, and the long-term development of these young cricketers. Sarfaraz’s mentorship has set a strong tone for the future of Pakistan’s next generation.
