BCCI furious after Pakistan humiliate India U19 in Asia Cup final; Ayush Mhatre in trouble

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to review the heavy defeat against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI will seek clarity from Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre and head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar in a meeting that is likely to take place in the coming days.

India’s campaign ended on a disappointing note after a loss to Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, their only defeat of the tournament. The Indian side dominated the group stage and even beat Pakistan earlier, but had a complete off day when it mattered most. India were bowled out cheaply in a one-sided final in Dubai.

BCCI to Hold Detailed Review With U19 Team Management After Asia Cup Final

The BCCI decided to review India’s showing in the Under-19 Asia Cup after the heavy defeat to Pakistan in the final. As reported by Cricbuzz, the decision was taken during an online Apex Council meeting on December 22.

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The board discussed the campaign in detail and agreed that a formal review was necessary, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India expected to seek explanations from the team management in the coming days.

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will undertake a review of the Indian team's performance in the Under-19 Asia Cup following their 191-run loss to Pakistan in the final," the report read.

BCCI to Meet U19 Captain Ayush Mhatre and Coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar

While a routine report will be taken from team manager Salil Datar, the BCCI is also expected to hold direct discussions with head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and captain Ayush Mhatre.

There is also uncertainty over whether player behaviour during the final will be part of the formal review. The high-pressure clash saw heated moments involving Indian players and Pakistan pacer Ali Raza, drawing attention to on-field conduct.

"While seeking a report from team manager Salil Datar will be standard practice, Cricbuzz understands that the BCCI is also set to hold discussions with head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and captain Ayush Mhatre, a move that goes beyond the usual review process," the report added.

India U19 to Play World Cup After Asia Cup Final Setback

The loss triggered strong reactions from fans on social media, with questions raised about whether this side is ready for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. Notably, the team had consistently delivered strong performances before the final.

The core group is expected to feature in the World Cup squad. Several players have already gained valuable experience at higher levels, and the team has a good balance of batters, fast bowlers, all-round options, and spinners. The talent pool looks strong, and most roles appear well covered.

Notably, the Asia Cup final exposed areas to improve. With the right guidance and calm handling of pressure, India’s Under-19 team has the ability to learn from the defeat, regroup, and mount a serious challenge at the World Cup.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir's ex-teammate drops bombshell: "If MS Dhoni wasn’t there, my career would’ve been better"