The victorious Pakistan Under-19 cricket team, which defeated arch-rivals India in a commanding win in the U19 Asia Cup final, returned home to a rousing reception at Islamabad International Airport.

A large number of fans gathered at the airport to welcome the young champions, chanting slogans in support of the national team.

The celebrations included drumbeats, traditional dances, and showers of flower petals.

The team arrived from Dubai aboard a special PIA flight, PK-212.

Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani welcomed the players upon their arrival.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet the members of the winning squad later today, as the government has decided to fully encourage and commend the players for their outstanding performance, particularly their memorable victory over India.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Pakistan cricket team and the entire nation on winning the Under-19 Asia Cup.

“Pakistani players created history by defeating India in the final,” he said, adding, “The entire nation is proud of these young players.”

The prime minister said, “The Under-19 team will undoubtedly make the country’s name shine on the world stage in the future as well.”

“I pay tribute to the entire team management, including Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi,” he added.

Meanwhile, a special meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) was held at its headquarters under the chairmanship of ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.

The council expressed appreciation for the arrangements made for the Under-19 Asia Cup tournament, with Mohsin Naqvi stating that the entire ACC team deserved congratulations.

During the meeting, the ACC approved the establishment of state-of-the-art High Performance Centres aimed at promoting modern cricket facilities across Asia.

Mohsin Naqvi said that Asian countries lacking advanced cricket infrastructure would be given priority access to these modern facilities, adding that the scope of the High Performance Centres would be expanded gradually.

The meeting was attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam, Afghanistan Cricket Board Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, Emirates Cricket Board General Secretary Mubashir Usmani, ACC official Thushara Perera, and other senior officials.