Pakistan’s Under-19 Asia Cup victory has sparked fresh calls from fans for Sarfaraz Ahmed to return to a bigger role in the senior setup ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. After guiding the U19 team to the title with a win over India, Sarfaraz earned widespread praise for his leadership and calm presence.
Pakistan’s Under-19 team won the Asia Cup 2025 with a victory over India in Dubai. Batting first, Pakistan U19 scored a big total of 347/8 following a 172-run knock from Sameer Minhas. The bowlers then dominated as they bowled out India U19 for just 156. Notably, the senior team had lost to India in the Asia Cup.
Fans Urge PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi to Appoint U19 Coach After Asia Cup Triumph
Pakistan cricket often changes coaches. After Pakistan’s Under-19 team beat India, a fan urged Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, to appoint Sarfaraz Ahmed as mentor to the senior team for the T20 World Cup 2026. The video quickly went viral on social media.
In the video, the fan praised Sarfaraz’s leadership and past success. He reminded Naqvi that Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the Champions Trophy win in 2017 and said he once again delivered a title, adding that Sarfaraz “never lets the team down.”
The fan can be heard saying, “Sarfaraz kabhi dhoka nahi deta” (“Sarfaraz never lets you down”) a popular dialogue from the famous Bollywood film PK.
“He won you the Champions Trophy in 2017. Today, we won another title. Please make him the mentor for the T20 World Cup (2026). Please,” the fan added.
These beggars have lost their 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 after winning the U19 Asia Cup. What can we do—poor fellows?
Their Pakistan doesn’t win anything often. Now that they’ve won the U19 Asia Cup for the second time, it’s bound to go to their heads. 🇵🇰 🤡 pic.twitter.com/5BDeyJGxlQ
— Jara (@JARA_Memer) December 21, 2025
“Sarfaraz kabhi dhoka nahi deta!”
Emotional fan hugs Sarfaraz Ahmed after #Pakistan’s #U19AsiaCup win over arch-rival #India. pic.twitter.com/cahimKzWqc— Kaff Digital (@KaffDigital) December 21, 2025
After Pakistan’s 191 run win over India in the U19 Asia Cup final, a fan urges PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to make Sarfaraz Ahmed senior team mentor ahead of T20 World Cup 2026. Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy, is currently U19 mentor.
Credits: @saudjarwar1… pic.twitter.com/72jZo9kdE2
— Pakistan Connect (@Pak_Connect) December 21, 2025
I Gave These Young Players Belief and Confidence to Fight – Sarfaraz Ahmed
Speaking after the final win over India, Sarfaraz Ahmed credited the Pakistan Under-19 squad for the Asia Cup triumph. He said the focus was on building mentally tough cricketers who could handle pressure, rather than overloading them with instructions.
“I was told that if you are a fighter, then show the world a team that fights. I gave these young players belief and confidence to fight till the last breath, and they lived up to expectations,” said Sarfaraz.
“By the grace of God, the boys worked extremely hard. I did very little — it is Allah’s blessing. The effort was theirs, and the result is there for everyone to see,” he added.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Winning Touch Shines Again Against India
Sarfaraz Ahmed was the mentor of Pakistan’s Under-19 team in the Asia Cup. He guided the youngsters to a big win in the final. The former wicketkeeper-batter knows how to win finals.
Sarfaraz led Pakistan to victory over India in the U19 World Cup final in 2004 and later captained the senior team to the Champions Trophy title in 2017. The U19 Asia Cup win followed the same pattern, with Pakistan outplaying India when it mattered most.
Pakistan’s senior side has struggled in ICC events, especially against India, with no wins since the 2021 T20 World Cup. The U19 Asia Cup title was also special for Pakistan, as it ended a 13-year wait and marked only their second win in the tournament’s history.
Also read: BCCI announces shock exit of bowling coach ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
