The Pakistan Under-19 cricket team celebrated their historic U-19 Asia Cup victory at a press conference held in a private hotel. The young players, along with the trophy, shared insights about their journey, preparation, and teamwork that led to their success.
Head coach Shahid Anwar, mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Pakistan Cricket Board officials were present to highlight the planning and effort behind the triumph. Coach Anwar said the team adopted a fearless approach, aiming not just to win the trophy but also to win hearts with their performance.
Preparation for the U-19 Asia Cup began on June 17, when 70 players were shortlisted for trials. Selected players were then given opportunities in competitive ODI tournaments. Anwar emphasized that merit-based selection and exposure to high-pressure matches were key to building confidence and readiness.
Mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed shared details of the team’s meeting with the Prime Minister earlier in the day. The PM announced a reward of Rs10 million for each player, praising their achievement. Sarfaraz said this recognition boosted the players’ morale and encouraged them to aim for more victories in the future.
The squad’s success was credited to teamwork rather than individual brilliance. Strong partnerships from players like Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain, combined with consistent contributions from the lower order, helped the team perform under pressure. Sarfaraz stressed that the win was a collective effort.
Batsman Sameer Minhas said the team followed an aggressive strategy, particularly in matches against India and Bangladesh. He admitted mistakes in early games but praised the management for encouraging fair and fearless cricket. Captain Farhan Yousuf echoed that the team’s primary goal was always to perform together and deliver their best for Pakistan.
Sarfaraz Ahmed highlighted the importance of mindset and maturity during the tournament. He guided the players to remain dignified and confident, even when faced with a challenging Indian side. He praised the coaching staff and the PM’s support for further motivating the squad.
In other news read more about: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Rewards U-19 Asia Cup Winners with Rs5 Million Each
With their U-19 Asia Cup win, the team has shown talent, unity, and a winning mentality. Both coaches and players expressed confidence that this squad will continue bringing honours to Pakistan in future tournaments.
