The final of the Under-19 Men’s Asia Cup 2025 has turned into a major talking point, not just for Pakistan’s dominant victory over India, but also for the heated exchanges that took place on the field. Following the high-voltage drama during the summit clash, Pakistan is now preparing to lodge an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against the Indian Under-19 team. The move has been confirmed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who stated that the issue would be formally taken up with the global governing body.

What Happened During the U19 Asia Cup Final?

The much-anticipated final between India and Pakistan was played in Dubai on 21 December 2025. The match ended in a one-sided result, with Pakistan registering a massive 191-run victory over India. However, the contest was marked by multiple verbal confrontations between players from both sides, which caught the attention of officials and fans alike.

During India’s chase, Pakistani fast bowler Ali Raza was involved in verbal altercations with Indian batters Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Tensions escalated further when Indian captain Ayush Mhatre was dismissed and was walking back to the pavilion, leading to an exchange of words between him and Ali Raza. A similar incident followed after the dismissal of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, adding to the intensity of the situation.

Pakistan to Approach the ICC

Reacting to the incidents, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that Pakistan plans to formally inform the ICC about what it believes was unsportsmanlike behavior by Indian players during the final. Speaking at a reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi alleged that Pakistani players were repeatedly provoked by their Indian counterparts throughout the match.

Naqvi emphasized that sports and politics should always be kept separate and maintained that the complaint was being made purely on sporting grounds. According to him, such behavior does not align with the spirit of cricket, especially at the junior level, where discipline and respect are considered crucial for player development.

Sarfaraz Ahmed Expresses Disappointment

Former Pakistan captain and current Under-19 team mentor and manager Sarfaraz Ahmed also shared his views on the matter. Sarfaraz said he was disappointed by the on-field conduct of the Indian Under-19 team during the final.

“I have played against many Indian teams in my career, and they have generally respected the spirit of the game,” Sarfaraz said. “But the behavior of this junior team throughout the final was not appropriate and was disappointing to see.”

His comments have further fueled the debate around on-field conduct in age-group cricket and the responsibility of young players to uphold sportsmanship.

What Action Can the ICC Take?

If Pakistan proceeds with its complaint, any potential action by the ICC will largely depend on the match referee’s report. According to ICC protocols, disciplinary measures are usually taken only if incidents are officially noted by match officials. Video evidence and on-field reports will play a key role in determining whether further investigation or sanctions are warranted.

As of now, there has been no official response from the ICC or the Indian cricket authorities regarding the matter.

How the Final Was Decided on the Field

Beyond the controversy, Pakistan’s performance in the final was nothing short of dominant. Batting first, Pakistan posted a huge total of 347 runs for 8 wickets, thanks to a sensational innings by Sameer Minhas. The young batter smashed 172 runs off 113 balls, registering his second century of the tournament and completely dismantling the Indian bowling attack.

In response, India’s batting lineup failed to handle Pakistan’s disciplined and aggressive bowling. Ali Raza emerged as the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 42 runs. India was bowled out for just 156 runs, allowing Pakistan to secure a comprehensive victory and lift the Under-19 Asia Cup title in style.

Final Thoughts

The U19 Asia Cup final will be remembered as much for Pakistan’s emphatic win as for the controversy that followed. While emotions often run high in India–Pakistan encounters, especially in finals, the situation has once again highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline and sportsmanship, particularly at the junior level.

Whether Pakistan’s complaint leads to any official action now rests with the ICC and the match officials’ reports. Until then, the debate around on-field conduct and the spirit of the game continues to grow.