KEY POINTS
- PM Sharif hosts luncheon and announced a Rs10 million reward for each player.
- Head Coach Shahid Anwar detailed the team’s focused journey to triumph.
- Star player Sameer Minhas emphasised a simple strategy of playing a natural game.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday hosted a special luncheon in honour of Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team following their Asia Cup triumph, celebrating the young players for their performance in the tournament and their commanding victory over arch-rivals India in the final.
During the event, attended by Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and federal ministers, the prime minister announced a cash award of Rs10 million for each member of the winning squad and congratulated the players and management on the brilliant and historic achievement.
Journey From Trials to Triumph
Detailing the team’s path to success, Head Coach Shahid Anwar, addressing a news conference after meeting the PM, revealed that the process began on June 17, 2025, with trials for 70 aspiring cricketers. This was whittled down to a training camp for 30 players.
“Before going to the Asia Cup, the goal was singular and clear: to win the cup,” Anwar stated, emphasising the squad’s focused preparation.
Former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who attended the function, highlighted the immense hard work put in by both players and the coaching staff.
He confirmed the Prime Minister’s generous announcement and shared the Premier’s message of hope for future laurels.
“Sarfaraz Ahmed said that the prime minister expressed the hope that the team would win more laurels in the future,” he told reporters.
The PM specifically praised match-winner Sameer Minhas and commended Usman Khan for forging a crucial partnership in the final.
براہِ راست: وزیراعظم کا انڈر 19 ایشیاء کپ فاتح ٹیم کے اعزاز میں ظہرانے پر خطاب https://t.co/ucOQTLhK4G
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 22, 2025
Heroes Reflect on Winning Mentality
Team Captain Farhan Yousuf, while crediting the collective effort of the entire squad for the win, expressed personal dissatisfaction with his individual performance.
“I will try to give a better individual performance in the upcoming World Cup,” he vowed, adding that Sarfaraz Ahmed had encouraged the team to continue giving their best.
The hero of the hour, Man of the Match and Man of the Series Sameer Minhas, revealed his simple philosophy.
“The plan was very simple: to spend time on the wicket and play my natural game,” Minhas said.
He dismissed any notion of pressure during the high-stakes final against India, despite having gotten out due to his own mistake in a previous encounter with the same opponents.
“If you put a good total on the board, there is a lot of pressure on the opposing team. The idea was to score good runs for the team,” Minhas explained, outlining the successful strategy.
Manager Highlights Sportsmanship
Team Manager Sarfaraz (different from the former captain) lauded the players for excelling under pressure in a high-stakes match.
He took the opportunity to contrast the conduct of the two teams, criticising the Indian youngsters for what he called “highly inappropriate behaviour” on the field, while praising the Pakistani boys for upholding the spirit of sportsmanship.
The event cemented a day of national celebration for the young cricketers, who now carry the nation’s hopes forward to the Under-19 World Cup, bolstered by state recognition and a significant financial reward.
