The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a generous cash prize of INR 7.5 crore for Ayush Mhatre and his team following their victory in the 2026 U-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. The Indian team emerged victorious against England in the final held at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, February 6.
This remarkable win marks India’s sixth title in the U-19 World Cup, with three of those victories coming since 2018. The young Indian side displayed impeccable performance throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten and showcasing their best in crucial matches against Afghanistan and England.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s extraordinary innings of 175 off 80 balls propelled India to a total of 411-9, a score that proved to be insurmountable as England, led by Thomas Rew, could only manage 311 in response.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia commended the team’s exceptional performance and officially declared the INR 7.5 crore reward for their achievements. Saikia expressed the board’s pride in the team’s flawless campaign and confirmed the distribution of the prize money among the players, coaches, and selectors.
The victorious Indian team is expected to return to the country with the trophy on Sunday, February 8. BCCI President Mithun Manhas praised the team’s confidence and character throughout the tournament, emphasizing that India’s dominance in age-group cricket is evident by winning the U-19 World Cup for the sixth time.
Manhas stated, “Holding both the men’s and women’s Under-19 World Cup titles is a matter of immense pride and highlights the depth of our cricketing structure.” The U-19 champions are set for a promising future, with many of them already securing contracts in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with various franchises.
In conclusion, the success of Team India in the 2026 U-19 World Cup exemplifies the country’s strength in youth cricket. The players’ exceptional performance and dedication have been duly rewarded by the BCCI, showcasing India’s prowess in nurturing young talent and sustaining a robust cricketing structure.
The article has been edited by Gokul Nair.
