BCCI to seek explanation after Ayush Mhatre-led India U19 loses to Pakistan U19 in Asia Cup Final

According to reports in Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to review the Indian U19 team’s performance in the recently concluded ACC U19 Asia Cup grand finale defeat to Pakistan on Sunday, December 20, in Dubai.

It’s important to note that the team manager usually submits a report to the BCCI after every tournament. However, this time the Indian board is expected to go beyond the usual review process and hold discussions with the head coach, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and captain Ayush Mhatre.

"The decision was taken at an online Apex Council meeting on Monday (December 22) evening, where members discussed the team's overall showing in the tournament and felt there was a need to seek explanations from the team management," the report stated.

The grand finale witnessed a few heated moments between Indian and Pakistani players. While Mhatre and Suryavanshi engaged in a heated altercation with Pakistani players, it’s still unknown if the player conduct discussion will be part of the review meeting.

"We were clear to bowl first; there were some inconsistencies in the line of the bowling. It was a simple plan to play the 50 overs. The boys really played well, and the tournament was good for us, and some players stood up,” India U19 skipper Mhatre said after the defeat in the final.

Batting first, Pakistan U19 posted a dominating total of 347/8 in 50 overs, thanks to opener Sameer Minhas' 172-run knock off 113 balls. In response, India could score only 156 runs in 26.2 overs, losing the game by 191 runs. Ali Raza was the star bowler, scalping a four-wicket haul.

The Indian U19 side is currently preparing for the ICC Under19 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in January and February 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

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