Pakistan PM announces PKR 10 million cash award for Asia Cup-winning U-19 team

Pakistan Prime Minister has announced a cash award of 10 million rupees for the Asia Cup-winning U-19 team, a reward which is unheard of in Pakistan cricket. The Pakistan junior stars scripted history on Sunday by demolishing India by 191 runs to claim their first outright title win in the U-19 continental competition.

Sharif announced the reward at a reception for the team and officials in Islamabad, where he hosted the team for a grand reception and hailed the team's performance.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, former senior team captain and current mentor and manager of the U-19 team, told the media that the Prime Minister has announced a cash award of 10 million (Approx INR 32 lakh, USD 36,000) to each of the players.

Sarfaraz also expressed his happiness in working with the talented youngsters and labelled them as future stars.

Head coach Shahid Anwar credited the long process of selecting the squad and the right amount of exposure each player was handed in 50-over cricket.

"The process started in June when we picked around 70 players after trials and then reduced the number to 20. Most of these players were then given chances to play 50-over cricket at the domestic level," Anwar said.

Earlier, the team was welcomed back amidst celebratory scenes at the Islamabad airport in a reception that is "usually reserved only for senior teams." Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has termed the win a landmark moment in the game in the country.

Junior-level cricket often goes under the radar in Pakistan, but the Under-19 title yet again underlined the talent at the grassroots level in the country, which has more often than not lacked support and exposure.

Sameer Minhas (172) and fast bowler Ali Reza (four wickets) were the chief architects of Pakistan's massive win over arch-foes India in the final on Sunday.