Pakistan ‘A’ captain Mohammad Haris bashes the Indian management for sending a young team 

In a thrilling showdown, Pakistan ‘A’ emerged victorious in the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, defeating India ‘A’ by a resounding 128 runs in the final. However, the triumph was accompanied by a cloud of controversy, as fans questioned the composition of the Pakistan ‘A’ team, which fielded several players with international experience. Pakistan ‘A’ captain Mohammad Haris hit back at the critics, defending his team’s selection and highlighting the fact that India ‘A’ was not compelled to field a younger side. 

Pakistani Captain criticizes Indian team selection 

“People are saying that Pakistan sent an ‘A’ team with many seniors. We did not ask them to send little kids to the tournament,” Haris retorted, emphasizing that his teammates had only played a limited number of T20Is before the tournament. He added, “Those guys (India players) have played 260 IPL matches.” 

The clash between the two neighbouring nations, renowned for their intense cricketing rivalry, saw the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) select an ‘A’ side comprised of uncapped players who had excelled in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and at the domestic level. Yash Dhull, with just four IPL games under his belt, was chosen to lead a young Indian side, with an average age of 20.80. In contrast, the Pakistan ‘A’ team had an average age of 23.20, and they were led by the seasoned Mohammad Haris, who had played 14 international games, the last being against the West Indies in May.  

Emerging Cup sees the rise of future stars 

The tournament showcased the immense potential of emerging players from both sides. India ‘A’ put on an impressive show throughout, remaining unbeaten until they reached the finals. In the group stage, they even outplayed Pakistan, achieving a stunning victory by successfully chasing a target of 206 with eight wickets and 80 balls to spare. 

Despite the controversy surrounding the team composition, it is essential to acknowledge the significant role the ACC Emerging Asia Cup 2023 played in providing a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and prove their mettle. The exposure to high-pressure matches and tough competition will undoubtedly serve as a valuable learning experience for these budding cricketers, benefiting both their individual careers and their countries’ cricketing future. 

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram