ICC U-19 World Cup: After raking in crores at IPL Auction, India's rising stars set for another windfall

Among the big-earners at the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 auctions were stars from India's Under-19 ranks.

The likes of skipper Prithvi Shaw, talismanic batsman Shubman Gill and ace pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti took home the big bucks at the mega auctions.

As if becoming overnight crorepatis wasn't enough, the junior lads are in for another windfall of money.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India​ (BCCI) will announce a cash award for the Indian players for reaching the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup and also felicitate them, acting president CK Khanna said on Tuesday.

"Congratulating the team for beating Pakistan in the semifinals in Christchurch in New Zealand today," Khanna said, "I would like to congratulate the entire team and coach Rahul Dravid for this performance. Rahul's contribution in guiding the Gen Next cricketers has been immense. Because of him we now have a talented pool of U-19 cricketers. The BCCI will announce cash awards and also felicitate the team," he said.

The Indian team on Tuesday thrashed arch-rivals Pakistan by 203 runs in the semifinals to enter the final for the sixth time. They will take on Australia in the summit clash on February 3.

Bring home the Trophy

BCCI acting president CK Khanna also hoped to see the Under-19 India team return with the World Cup trophy.  He made the statement after India registered a mammoth 203-run victory over arch-rival Pakistan in the semi-final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup being played at Christchurch's Hagley Oval cricket ground in New Zealand on Tuesday. 

Khanna said, "We are proud of them and the nation is proud of them. We would like to welcome them with the World Cup trophy in their hands," he added.

Former India skipper Dravid coached the Under-19 who side had set the 273-run target for Pakistan with the help of Shubman Gill's 102-run innings, but the opposition failed to inch even closer to the target as they were bowled out at 69 in just 29 overs.

None of the batsmen from Pakistan could cross the 20-run mark, as Rohail Nazir became the highest scorer for the side with 18 runs. Gill, who became India's first centurion of this World Cup, was declared the man of the match for his spectacular 102 runs of 94 balls.

(With inputs from agencies)