BCCI secretary backs India U19 players over Pakistan win celebrations

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia defended India's Under-19 players over their celebrations after a one-wicket win against Pakistan. His remarks framed the reaction as an expression of the side's fighting spirit amid criticism over gestures.India players were seen celebrating animatedly in front of Pakistan players. (ScreenGrab: SonyLIV)New Delhi,Nov 15, 2026 09:49 ISTThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has come out in support of India's Under-19 players amid the debate over their celebrations after a thrilling Asia Cup final win against Pakistan. Saikia believes the youngsters had every right to let their emotions show after pulling off a victory that looked unlikely for much of the contest.Speaking to ANI, Saikia was asked about India's aggressive celebrations after their one-wicket win in Oman on Saturday. He backed the players, saying their reaction was a reflection of the fight and belief they showed when the match seemed to be slipping away.IND vs PAK, U19 Asia Cup Final: HIGHLIGHTSDespite the fact we lost the game but really loved the way Indians have celebrated. This is pur GOLD U19 KIDS celebration Rising Stars Asia Cup to go hard https://t.co/9HtrG3tlY7— Aashir Vali Vahidy (@aashirvahidy) November 14, 2026"That reflects their character and fighting spirit. Consider how much of a cliffhanger today's match was. At one point, it really didn't look like it was in India's favour. Yet, India managed to win. This speaks volumes about the team's confidence level and their 'never-say-die' attitude," Saikia said. "When they win a match from such a difficult position, they certainly deserve to celebrate. That's something we must allow," he added.Saikia's comments come after India's celebrations became a talking point following Mohit Ulva's winning boundary off the final delivery. The players were understandably ecstatic, but videos circulating on social media appeared to show some of them making gestures towards their Pakistan counterparts, prompting criticism from sections of fans.WHAT SPARKED THE CELEBRATION DEBATE? India pulled off a remarkable chase in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, hunting down Pakistan's 337 for 9 to win by one wicket. At one stage, the chase looked all but over, with India eight wickets down and needing 86 runs from 51 balls.Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva then gave India a lifeline with a crucial ninth-wicket stand. Manal made 47 off 32 balls, while Ulva remained unbeaten on 49 from just 26 deliveries. Chigurupati Venkata also chipped in before Ulva struck the winning boundary off the final ball to seal a memorable victory.The celebrations were just as dramatic. The Indian players rushed onto the field, with Ulva soon wrapped in the tricolour. However, footage appearing to show gestures directed at Pakistan wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor and his team-mates drew criticism. Members of India's support staff also appeared to step in during the celebrations.DID INDIA U19 BOYS CROSS THE LINE?There is little doubt that the youngsters deserved to celebrate. Coming back from such a difficult position to beat Pakistan in an Asia Cup final was a special achievement. But the debate is about whether some of the celebrations directed at their opponents went a step too far.There is a difference between letting the emotions of a big win take over and making gestures at players who have just suffered a heartbreaking defeat. The pressure of an India-Pakistan final is understandable, but it does not automatically justify every action.Saikia has made it clear that the BCCI sees the celebrations as an expression of the team's fighting spirit. Whether everyone agrees with that view is another matter.- Ends