The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reacted sharply to India’s humiliating defeat to Pakistan in the 2025 ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup final, triggering an immediate review of the team’s performance and management.
Pakistan dominated the final from start to finish, first racking up a huge 348-run total and then dismantling India for just 156 in 26.2 overs to secure a thumping 191-run victory.
Opener Sameer Minhas was the tormentor-in-chief with a staggering 172 off 113 balls, smashing 17 fours and nine sixes. In reply, India’s batting folded under relentless pressure from Pakistan’s attack, led by Ali Raza’s four-wicket haul, with support from Huzaifa Ahsan, Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam, who took two wickets each.
The manner of the defeat, against arch-rivals and in a continental final, has not gone down well with the Indian board. As per reports, an online Apex Council meeting was convened on Monday evening, where senior officials dissected the team’s overall campaign.
Members are understood to have expressed serious displeasure at the lack of fight in the final and agreed that the team management must provide answers.
Following that discussion, the BCCI has decided to seek detailed explanations from head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and captain Ayush Mhatre.
With the ICC Under-19 World Cup just around the corner, the board is eager to ensure that the Asia Cup collapse is not a sign of deeper problems. Officials want to address tactical, selection, and temperament issues immediately to avoid a repeat on the global stage.
The ICC U19 World Cup will run from 15 January to 6 February 2026, featuring 16 teams divided into four groups, followed by a Super Six phase, semi-finals, and the final.
