Published: Dec 22, 2025, 04:24 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 22, 2025, 04:24 PM (IST)
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday announced a special cash award of 10 million rupees for Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup-winning squad members.
The Pakistan colts thumped India by 191 runs on Sunday to claim the title.
Sharif made the announcement at a reception for the team and officials in Islamabad where he lauded the team’s performance.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, the mentor and manager of the team, told the media after the reception that the Prime Minister has announced cash award of 10 million (Approx USD 36,000) to each of the players.
Sarfaraz said he was enjoying working with a bunch of talented players who had a great future in the sport.
Head coach Shahid Anwar credited win to a long process of selecting the squad and giving each player enough exposure of 50-overs cricket.
“The process started in June when we picked around 70 players after trials and then reduced the number to 20. Most of these players were then given chances to play 50-over cricket at domestic level,” Anwar a former Test batsman said.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will host a reception the Under-19 team, which defeated India in the finals of the just-concluded Asia Cup in Dubai, as the country celebrates a rare cricketing triumph over the arch-foes from across the border.
The team was welcomed back warmly at the Islamabad airport in a reception that is “usually reserved only for senior teams.”
The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has already declared the win as a major achievement for the game in the country.
Junior level cricket mostly goes under the radar in Pakistan but the Under-19 triumph over India triggered a celebratory welcome for the side at the airport.
Sameer Minhas, who scored a 172 in the final on Sunday, and fast bowler Ali Reza, who took four wickets, are being hailed as “finds” for Pakistan cricket.
( With PTI Inputs )
