National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman lauded the BCCI for running a world-class youth structure and laying emphasis on competitive age-group tournaments.

Having battled a Covid-19 outbreak in their camp which could have derailed their U-19 World Cup campaign, India beat England by four wickets in the final of the tournament to win the title for the fifth time and extend their dominance in the age-group showpiece.

“I think the BCCI has to be complemented. The number of matches and tournaments each age-group level gets to play, whether it’s U-16, U-19 or U-23, it’s indeed very good.

“Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the guys didn’t get to play any preparatory tournament as such (before the Asia Cup), so that’s why I think winning this tournament is very special,” Laxman said after India’s victory in the final at North Sound, Antigua, on Saturday.

The BCCI brass too congratulated the team, which win all its matches in the competition.

“Congratulations to the under 19 team and the support staff and the selectors for winning the world cup in such a magnificent way ..The cash prize announced by us of 40 lakhs is a small token of appreciation but their efforts are beyond value .. magnificent stuff..,” Board president Sourav Ganguly tweeted.

Laxman also termed the title triumph as only the beginning of a journey for these youngsters. “This is just a learning process and the start of their journey. Everyone in this group understands that,” Laxman said.