ISLAMABAD: Prime Mnister Shehbaz Sharif has announced millions of rupees in reward for the Under-19 cricket team for winning the Asia Cup after defeating arch-rival India in Dubai in the final match.
Each player is expected to receive one rupee rupees (10 million) from the cash reward announced by PM Shehbaz Sharif. This is in addition to cash prize Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi has announced for the team.
Meanwhile, fresh from their title-winning campaign, the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team addressed the media on Monday. The team held a press conference with the trophy at a private hotel. Players and officials reflected on their journey, challenges, and preparation. Moreover, they highlighted teamwork and planning behind the success. The event drew attention from cricket fans nationwide.
Leadership and Planning Behind Success
Head coach Shahid Anwar, mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Pakistan Cricket Board officials attended the briefing.
They discussed the structured planning that shaped the campaign. According to officials, preparation began months before the tournament. The management focused on discipline, confidence, and clarity of roles.
As a result, the team entered the competition well prepared.
Fearless Cricket as Core Strategy
Head coach Shahid Anwar said the team chose to play fearless cricket early on. He explained that encouragement and belief formed the core strategy. The aim extended beyond winning the trophy to winning hearts.
Therefore, players received freedom to express themselves. This approach helped them perform confidently under pressure.
Anwar revealed that preparations started on June 17. Selectors called 70 players for initial trials. After evaluation, shortlisted players featured in an ODI tournament. He said trials ensured merit-based selection for the final squad. Consequently, competition strengthened the team’s overall quality.
Building Confidence Through Exposure
Anwar added that competitive exposure played a vital role. The ODI tournament helped players adjust to match pressure. It also improved decision-making in crucial moments. Therefore, players entered the tournament mentally prepared. Confidence remained a key factor throughout the campaign.
Prime Minister’s Support Lifts Spirits
Mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed shared details of the team’s meeting with the prime minister. He said the interaction boosted player morale significantly. According to Sarfaraz, the prime minister praised the team’s achievement.
He also announced Rs10 million each for the players. This announcement further motivated the young cricketers.
Sarfaraz expressed hope for the team’s future. He said this squad could win many more trophies.
He urged players to stay grounded and focused. Leadership support, he said, would remain available.
The encouragement reinforced belief within the group.
Victory Through Teamwork
Sarfaraz Ahmed stressed that teamwork defined the victory. He rejected claims of individual brilliance alone.
He highlighted strong partnerships from Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain. He also praised the lower order for delivering under pressure. Every contribution, he said, mattered equally.
Aggressive Yet Disciplined Approach
Batsman Sameer Minhas discussed the aggressive game plan against India. He said management issued clear instructions before the match. He admitted making a mistake in the first India game. However, he said the Bangladesh match restored team confidence. Momentum then shifted strongly in Pakistan’s favor.
Sarfaraz described Sameer’s later innings as extraordinary. However, he reiterated that no player won the match alone. Sameer credited Allah for his success. He said he focused on his natural game. He promised to keep performing for the team.
Unity and Future Commitment
Player Farhan Yousuf emphasized unity within the squad. He said management encouraged natural and fearless cricket. He admitted his performance fell short of expectations. However, he vowed to improve in future matches.
The team’s priority, he said, remained collective success.
Mindset and Maturity Emphasized
Sarfaraz Ahmed addressed on-field mindset and maturity. He said the Indian team showed negative attitude at times. However, he advised Pakistani players to remain dignified. He urged them to play memorable and respectful cricket. This advice strengthened mental discipline.
