BCCI to review India's performance in Under-19 Asia Cup

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 decision was taken at an online Apex Council meeting on Monday (December 22) evening, where members discussed the team's overall showing in the tournament and felt a review was needed. Explanations are likely to be sought from the team management.

While seeking a report from team manager Salil Datar will be standard practice, 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.

There have also been reports concerning player conduct during the final, although it is not yet clear whether that aspect will form part of the review. Pakistan team mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed had some uncharitable words for the Indian team.

The move to review comes with the Under-19 World Cup scheduled for January-February 2026, with the BCCI keen to address issues early and avoid any setbacks heading into the global event.

A member of the support staff said the batting needed to click in the final but, unfortunately for the Indians, the batters – including star players Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi – failed to fire. Chasing 348, the team crumbled to 156, with the top six wickets falling for just 50 runs.