Source NDTV sport
Pakistan is set to lodge a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against members of the Indian Under-19 cricket team, alleging a breach of the spirit of the game during a recent youth international fixture between the two sides.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) believes certain actions by Indian U19 players during the match crossed acceptable conduct limits and amounted to unsporting behaviour. While the PCB has not publicly named the players involved, officials indicated that the complaint will include video footage and a detailed report of the incidents in question.
The controversy reportedly stems from on-field exchanges, gestures, and celebrations that Pakistan’s team management felt were provocative and violated ICC’s Code of Conduct, which applies to all international cricket, including age-group tournaments. Pakistan officials argue that such behaviour undermines the values of fair play and respect, especially in junior-level competitions meant to nurture young talent.
A senior PCB official said that the board is not seeking punitive action outright but wants the ICC to review the incidents and issue appropriate guidance or warnings if necessary. “At the Under-19 level, discipline and sportsmanship are as important as performance. We want to ensure these standards are upheld,” the official stated.
The Indian camp, meanwhile, has maintained that their players did not intend to disrespect the opposition and that emotions can sometimes run high in high-stakes matches between traditional rivals. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources said they would cooperate fully with any ICC inquiry and review the footage internally if required.
The ICC is expected to examine the complaint once formally submitted and determine whether the alleged actions constitute a breach of its conduct regulations. If found guilty, the players involved could face warnings, fines, or other disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of the offence.
The incident comes at a time when India and Pakistan matches, even at the junior level, attract intense scrutiny and global attention. Cricket analysts have urged both boards to handle the issue responsibly, stressing that young players should be guided rather than harshly penalised.
For now, all eyes will be on the ICC’s response and whether the complaint leads to any formal disciplinary proceedings.
