ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a cash reward of Rs10 million ($35,700) each for the players of Pakistan’s Under-19 Asia Cup winning squad, the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported on Monday.
The development came after a luncheon hosted by the prime minister in Islamabad in honor of the Pakistan U-19 team, commending the team management, Captain Farhan Yousaf, Sameer Minhas, Ali Raza and all members of the contingent for bringing laurels to the country.
Pakistan thumped favorites India in a one-sided contest in Dubai on Sunday. Sent to bat first, Pakistan finished at an impressive 347-8 from 50 overs, powered by an explosive 172-run knock by Minhas. In response, India could only manage a score of 156 runs before being bowled out, with Raza returning figures of 4-42.
“I would like to congratulate you all from the bottom of my heart,” Sharif told Pakistan players and officials in comments televised on Monday. “You defeated the opponent in a way that no one could have imagined.”
In addition, Sharif announced a cash prize of Rs2.5 million ($8,926) for each member of the team’s management, Radio Pakistan reported.
Earlier, the Under-19 Asia Cup champions received a rousing heroes’ welcome upon arrival at the Islamabad airport from Dubai, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The team was welcomed at the airport by State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and other officials. The U-19 cricket stars were showered with rose petals as a large crowd of fans thronged the airport to catch a glimpse of the winning side.
Social media footage also showed a large number of fans posing with the cricket stars for selfies and pictures.
