- India beat Pakistan by one wicket, scoring off the final ball of the U-19 Asia Cup final in Muscat.
- Videos appear to show Indian players, including Manal Chauhan, making gestures towards Pakistan's Hamza Zahoor.
- Former cricketers and commentators called for respect and sportsmanship.
- BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the players deserved to celebrate such a win.
India's dramatic one-wicket win over Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup final has been followed by a row over how the winners celebrated. Videos shared online appear to show some Indian players making obscene gestures and using abusive language towards their opponents.
The final was played at the Al-Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Saturday. Mohit Ulva hit the winning boundary off the last delivery.
How the final was decided
Pakistan batted first and posted 337 for nine, with Usman Khan scoring a century. That left India a target of 338.
India were in trouble at 252 for eight but recovered to finish on 339 for nine. The runs came on the final ball of the innings.
These are young players, and it’s important we teach them that the spirit of the game goes beyond the result,
Ahmed Shahzad, former cricketer
What the footage appears to show
Clips circulating online appear to show Indian players, among them Manal Chauhan, making gestures towards Pakistan wicket-keeper-batter Hamza Zahoor. Other clips show members of the Indian side celebrating aggressively in front of the Pakistan players.
It has also been reported that the teams did not shake hands straight away, as Indian players ran onto the field. A member of India's support staff was seen trying to calm the players down.
These accounts are based on video clips and social media posts. No official action or statement from the tournament organisers has been mentioned in the reports.
| Team | Total | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 337/9 | Usman Khan scored a century |
| India | 339/9 | Won by one wicket; Mohit Ulva hit the winning boundary off the final ball |
Reaction in Pakistan
The gestures aimed at Hamza, who scored a century when the two sides met in the group stage, also attracted attention from Pakistan supporters and former players. Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry wrote on social media that the player should be sent to school rather than a cricket ground. Journalist Fahd Hussain called the cricketer a “disgrace to more than just Indian cricket”.
Former cricketer Ahmed Shahzad congratulated India but said celebrations should express the joy of winning rather than turn into aggression or needless hostility. He also said senior players had carried forward certain traditions that needed to change.
Former cricketer Mohammad Yousuf, without naming anyone, said sport at any level was also about reflecting one's upbringing and values. He urged players to stay respectful and composed in both victory and defeat. Columnist Ammar Masood described the scenes as “not a reflection of sportsmanship”.
Some social media users criticised the celebrations while still acknowledging India's achievement in a closely fought final.
Indian board defends the players
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia defended the team. He told reporters the celebrations were understandable given how the match was won, saying players who win from such a difficult position “certainly deserve to celebrate”.
The episode has fuelled debate about player conduct in high-pressure matches, particularly those between the two neighbouring countries.
Questions and answers
Who won the U-19 Asia Cup final?
India won by one wicket in Muscat. They chased down Pakistan's target of 338, finishing on 339 for nine off the final delivery.
Why are the Indian players being criticised?
Videos appear to show some players making obscene gestures and shouting abuse at Pakistan's players after the win, including gestures towards Hamza Zahoor. Critics say this goes against the spirit of the game.
How has India's cricket board responded?
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia defended the players. He said that after winning from such a difficult position they deserved to celebrate.
