BCCI Takes Strict Action After Heavy Defeat to Pakistan, Will Question U-19 Coach Kanitkar and Captain Mhatre

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken the 191-run defeat against Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup final very seriously. Instead of relying solely on the team manager’s written report, the board has decided to directly question head coach Rishikesh Kanitkar and captain Ayush Mhatre regarding the performance. This move is part of preparations for the 2026 U-19 World Cup.

Collapse in the Final
In the title clash played in Dubai, Pakistan dominated India in every department. Pakistan batted first and posted a mammoth 347/8, thanks to a brilliant 172-run innings by Sameer Minhaj. In response, the Indian batting lineup crumbled. Vaibhavi Suryawanshi, who scored 171 runs earlier in the tournament, managed only 26, while captain Ayush Mhatre was dismissed for just 2 runs. Pakistan’s pace attack executed accurate line and length bowling, restricting India to 156 runs, and secured the championship.

BCCI’s New Approach
According to Cricbuzz, the board’s stringent approach indicates that it is determined not to compromise on future challenges. Usually, a formal review report is submitted after tournaments, but direct discussions with the coach and captain signal the board’s intent to probe deeply into the reasons behind the defeat. The review will cover not only technical shortcomings but also moments of on-field tension between Indian and Pakistani players. While no disciplinary action has been confirmed yet, the BCCI is prioritizing both discipline and performance.

Preparation for the 2026 U-19 World Cup
This review process is crucial as the team prepares for the U-19 World Cup in January–February 2026. The Asia Cup loss serves as a wake-up call. Captain Mhatre admitted post-match that there were some shortcomings in bowling line and that the team failed to execute its 50-over strategy. The BCCI’s intervention aims to make young players aware of their responsibilities and strengthen the team both mentally and technically ahead of major tournaments.