ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lavished praise and rewards on Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team on Monday, announcing a substantial cash prize of Rs10 million for each player following their commanding 191-run victory over India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final.
Pakistan’s young stars bowled India out for just 156, chasing a target of 347 set by the Pakistan team. This victory marks Pakistan’s second U-19 Asia Cup title, and their first since 2012, ending a 13-year wait for glory in the prestigious tournament.
At a grand dinner held in the team’s honour, the Prime Minister celebrated the young players who lifted the nation’s spirits with their extraordinary performance.
He commended the team’s collective effort and praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), along with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, for their pivotal role in this historic achievement.
“The victory has made the whole country proud. You have not only won the Asia Cup but also captured the hearts of millions,” he said, emphasising the significance of the triumph in bolstering national pride.
He singled out key performers like Ali Raza and Sameer Munir, hailing their exceptional contributions to the team’s success.
He also took a moment to reflect on Pakistan’s victory in their high-stakes clash with India.
In a generous gesture, the Prime Minister announced that the coaching and management staff would also be rewarded, with each member receiving Rs2.5 million. “This is not just a victory for the team but for the entire nation,” he added.
The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, called the win a “historic day” for Pakistan cricket, expressing pride in the team’s achievement. “This victory marks a defining moment for the future of cricket in Pakistan,” he added.
The players, visibly elated by the recognition, thanked the Prime Minister for his generous reward and praised the PCB for its unwavering support throughout the campaign.
They also acknowledged the hard work of their coaches, whose efforts in training camps were crucial to their success.
The event was attended by federal ministers Mohsin Naqvi and Attaullah Tarar, alongside PCB officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.