India U19 endured a bruising end to their Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 campaign after suffering a crushing 191-run loss to Pakistan U19 in Sunday's final. While the on-field result heavily favoured Pakistan,
post-match scenes sparked controversy and shifted attention away from cricket.
As the Indian players made their way back to the team bus, a section of Pakistan supporters reportedly booed and heckled them. A video circulating widely on social media shows members of the Indian squad being jeered, with particular attention drawn to 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Despite being targeted by the crowd, the teenager maintained his composure, walking away without engaging or reacting to the taunts - a response that drew praise online for his maturity.
Tensions were already simmering during the match itself. Players from both sides were seen exchanging words at various stages, and the customary post-match handshake did not take place, underlining the strained atmosphere surrounding the contest.
Following the incident, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused the Indian players of displaying provocative conduct during the final. Speaking at a reception hosted by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi said the matter would be escalated to the International Cricket Council.
"Indian players kept provoking Pakistani players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final," Naqvi stated. "Pakistan will formally inform the ICC about the incident. Politics and sports should always be kept separate. "
Echoing those sentiments, Pakistan team mentor and manager Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed disappointment with what he described as the Indian team's attitude. "The behaviour and attitude of the Indian players was not good and improper," Sarfaraz alleged.
Even if Pakistan submits a formal complaint, any potential action will depend on the official report of the match referee, which is expected to be the primary reference point for the ICC.
