Sarfaraz Ahmed accuses the India U19 team of displaying ‘unethical behaviour’ during the Asia Cup final

Pakistan U19 men’s team mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed has accused the India U19 team of displaying ‘unethical behaviour’ during the grand finale of the recently concluded ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup on Sunday, December 20, in Dubai.

Speaking after winning the final, Sarfaraz added that Indian players reflected a lack of sportsmanship. He also went on to reveal that he had informed his players that celebrations should be respectful, while the Indian youngsters were disrespectful towards the game.

"We have played against Indian teams that respected cricket. The way the young boys behaved was disrespectful towards the sport," Sarfaraz said after the Pakistan U19 team’s 191-run win to lift the title.

"I clearly told my players that celebrations should be respectful. I wanted the boys to show their ability in this format. I told my boys: Back yourself, let them do what they are doing,” he added.

"India's behaviour regarding the game was not good, and the Indian team's conduct in cricket was unethical. But we celebrated the victory with sportsmanship, because there should always be sportsmanship in cricket; what India did is their own action,” he stated.

Interestingly, during the grand finale, a viral video from the Pakistan dugout was doing rounds on social media, in which Sarfaraz was addressing his players in their native language. In the viral clip, he said, "You don't play against ignorant people by becoming ignorant yourself; you must play within the bounds of decency."

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

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