Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s U19 Asia Cup knock sparks age fraud accusation; ex-PAK cricketer asks, ‘Can a 13-year-old hit…?’

sanjeev

khelja|09-12-2024

India U-19 batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi was once again accused of age fraud. Former Pakistan cricketer Junaid Khan, sharing a video of one of his knocks during the recently concluded U-19 Asia Cup tournament in the UAE, questioned whether a 13-year-old can at all hit a six over the rooftop of the venue.

Suryavanshi was India's joint-highest run-getter in the Asia Cup tournament, scoring 176 runs in five innings, same as opening partner Ayush Mahtre. The tally comprised two fifties - a blazing 76 not out against hosts UAE that helped India make the semifinal, and a knock of 67 in the penultimate round against Sri Lanka.

Junaid, taking to Instagram, shared a video of Suryavanshi's semifinal knock. The 13-year-old clobbered five maximums and six boundaries to win the Player of the Match award in India's seven-wicket victory. The former Pakistan pacer questioned India's batting prodigy's real age.

Junaid asked: "Can a 13-year-old kid really hit such a long six?"