Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a cash reward of Rs10 million for each member of the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team, and Rs2.5 million for each member of the team management, following their emphatic victory over India.

The announcement was made during a luncheon hosted by the prime minister in honour of the Under-19 squad, which was attended by players, officials and support staff.

Congratulating the players, the prime minister said the win by a large margin was historic and a clear result of hard work, discipline and commitment.

He praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), team management, coaching staff and players, adding that the nation also deserved congratulations.

The event also included a luncheon in honour of the champions.

Addressing the gathering, PM Sharif said the players had “raised the nation’s pride”.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the importance of keeping politics separate from sports.

He also criticised Indian players for provocative behaviour during the tournament and stated that Pakistan will raise the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The under-19 team’s victory marks a significant achievement for Pakistan cricket, boosting morale ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the win, Pakistan Under-19 head coach Shahid Anwar said the team was instructed to play fearless cricket.

He credited the result to teamwork and the players’ effort on the field.

Mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed revealed that the prime minister personally informed the team about the Rs10 million per player reward during the meeting.

He said the victory was celebrated in line with sportsmanlike values.

Team captain Farhan Yousaf said the management backed the players fully and made expectations clear from the outset.

“The management told us defeat would be theirs, while victory would belong to the boys,” he said.

He added that Pakistan played aggressive cricket against India, but the team’s main focus remained the upcoming Under-19 World Cup.

Sarfaraz Ahmed also raised concerns over the conduct of the Indian team, describing their behaviour as unsporting. He said Pakistan celebrated the win with restraint and respect for the spirit of the game.

The Pakistan Under-19 team is scheduled to continue preparations as it shifts attention to the World Cup campaign.