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.
