ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a cash award of Rs10 million for each player of Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team after their Asia Cup triumph.
He met the players at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. He praised their historic victory over arch-rivals India in the tournament final.
Sharif said the win reflected discipline, teamwork, and collective effort. He said the young cricketers had made the nation proud and shown that Pakistan’s cricket future was bright.
“The entire credit goes to the team,” the prime minister said.
Earlier today, Under-19 team returned home earlier on Monday to a heroes’ welcome at Islamabad International Airport.
Fans gathered in large numbers to greet the players. They showered them with rose petals and took selfies. State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior Islamabad Police officials also received the team.
Pakistan defeated India by 191 runs in the final on Sunday in Dubai.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 347 for 8 in 50 overs. Sameer Minhas scored 172 off 113 balls. India were bowled out for 156 in reply. Pacer Ali Raza took 4 for 42 in 6.2 overs.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said the team received an enthusiastic reception from the aircraft to the airport.
The players also cut a cake during their return flight from Dubai to celebrate the victory.
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“This team makes the nation proud,” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote on social media platform X. “The future of Pakistan cricket shines bright.”
