The U19 Asia Cup 2025 final at the ICC Academy Ground ended in a resounding 191-run victory for Pakistan, but the celebration has been overshadowed by reports of unsavory fan behavior. In a video circulating on social media, a group of spectators was seen booing and heckling India’s youngest prodigy, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, as he walked past them following the match.
The Boiling Point: On-Field Tension
The friction began during India's chase of a mammoth 348-run target. Suryavanshi, who has been a standout performer this tournament, gave India a blistering start with 26 runs off just 10 balls. However, his dismissal triggered a heated exchange:
- The Send-off: After taking Suryavanshi's wicket, Pakistani pacer Ali Raza gave him a fiery, vocal send-off.
- The Reaction: The 14-year-old didn't hold back, responding with a "shoe gesture"—pointing to his boot while walking back—which quickly went viral.
Fans Cross the Line?
While on-field aggression is often viewed as part of the high-stakes India-Pakistan rivalry, the off-field treatment of a minor has touched a nerve. Fans on social media have slammed the behavior of those booing a teenager, noting that such hostility towards a child is a "new low" for the sport.
Pakistan’s fans are acting shamelessly and they have no sense of shame whatsoever.👀
— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) December 22, 2025
These people are booing 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi just because Pakistan won a ‘cheap’ U19 Asia Cup. They’re acting like Pakistan won the World Cup.🤦🏻
This is why Pakistani people have no… pic.twitter.com/D1X6lgshr0
"Booing a 14-year-old child who just played his heart out is not a celebration of victory; it’s a display of a lack of class," wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Pakistan’s Dominance vs. Sportsmanship Debates
Despite the controversy, Pakistan’s cricketing performance was undeniably superior. Sameer Minhas played a historic knock of 172, leading Pakistan to their second U19 Asia Cup title. However, the post-match atmosphere remained tense:
- Handshake Snub: Observers noted a lack of traditional handshakes between some players, a carry-over from the senior team's recent frictions.
- PCB Action: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly stated they will approach the ICC regarding "provocative conduct" by Indian players during the game.
Tournament Stats: Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Despite the disappointing final, Suryavanshi remains one of the brightest prospects in world cricket.
| Statistic | Value |
| Total Runs | 261 |
| Average | 52.20 |
| Strike Rate | 182.52 |
| Age | 14 Years |
A Call for Grace
The U19 level is designed to nurture young talent and instill the values of the "Gentleman's Game." While the victory is a massive milestone for Pakistan cricket, many believe the treatment of Suryavanshi serves as a reminder that the spirit of the game must be preserved, especially when children are involved.
