BCCI Announces Generous Rs 7.5 Crore Reward for Triumphant Under-19 World Cup Champions
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a significant announcement following India's spectacular victory in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup. The cricket board will award the victorious Indian Under-19 team with a substantial cash prize of Rs 7.5 crore as recognition for their outstanding achievement in securing the prestigious trophy.
BCCI Secretary Expresses National Pride in Young Champions
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed immense pride in the young Indian squad's performance during the tournament. "The whole country and BCCI are proud of our Under-19 side on their Under-19 World Cup 2026 victory," Saikia stated in an interview with ANI. "The way our team defeated England in the finals, and how they remained undefeated in the tournament, we are all proud. The BCCI will reward the team with Rs 7.5 crore cash prize."
The announcement comes after India's comprehensive victory over England in the final match held in Harare, Zimbabwe. The young Indian team displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, maintaining an unbeaten record that culminated in their sixth Under-19 World Cup title.
Record-Breaking Performance in High-Stakes Final
India's victory was marked by a truly dominant performance in the championship match. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, the Indian team posted an imposing total of 411/9 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was highlighted by several remarkable individual performances:
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a scintillating 175 runs off just 80 balls, including 15 boundaries and 15 sixes
- Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed a solid 53 runs from 51 deliveries
- Abhigyan Kundu added a brisk 40 runs off 31 balls to bolster the total
England's response, despite a valiant 115-run effort from Caleb Falconer, fell significantly short of the mammoth 412-run target. The Indian bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the England innings, ultimately securing victory by a commanding margin of 100 runs.
Historic Achievement and National Recognition
The Indian team's performance set multiple records during the final match. Most notably, they established a new benchmark for sixes in a Youth ODI final, hitting an astonishing 31 sixes - well clear of the previous record of 23. This victory adds to India's impressive collection of Under-19 World Cup titles, having previously won the tournament in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the young champions, stating: "India's cricketing talent shines! Proud of our U-19 team for bringing home the World Cup. The team has played very well through the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill. This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming endeavours."
The BCCI's substantial financial reward of Rs 7.5 crore represents not just monetary compensation but significant recognition of the team's dedication, skill, and contribution to Indian cricket. This victory reinforces India's position as a dominant force in youth cricket development and provides inspiration for the next generation of cricketing talent across the nation.
