India U19 players face backlash for alleged obscene gestures after Asia Cup win
Indian Under-19 cricket players faced criticism on Saturday in Oman after videos showed them making inappropriate gestures toward Pakistan teammates following their final victory.
Controversy follows dramatic final match
India defeated Pakistan by one wicket to retain the Under-19 Asia Cup title at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. The match concluded with Mohit Ulva striking the winning boundary off the final delivery in Muscat. Social media users immediately circulated footage showing Indian players making obscene gestures toward Pakistan wicket-keeper Hamza Zahoor. Videos also depicted members of the Indian side celebrating aggressively while shouting at their opponents on the field.
Match details and team scores
Pakistan posted a formidable total of 337-9 after batting first during the absorbing contest in Oman. Usman Khan scored 107 runs while Abdul Qadir contributed 80 for the visiting side. India completed the chase dramatically with Mohit Ulva scoring an unbeaten 49 and Manal Chauhan making 47. The Indian team slipped to 252-8 before their remarkable recovery guided them home after the close encounter.
Reactions from former players and officials
Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry wrote on X that a player should go to school instead of a cricket ground. Fahd Hussain, the journalist, replied that the cricketer was a disgrace extending beyond Indian cricket. Cricketer Ahmed Shahzad posted that seniors must teach young players that the spirit of the game goes beyond results. Reports noted no immediate exchange of handshakes as Indian players rushed onto the field to celebrate their victory.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Express Tribune
- Dawn
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.