Former India captains, Kapil Dev and Mohammad Azharuddin, have propounded the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take austere action against Indian players who couldn’t control their emotions in the U19 World Cup (WC) final and got involved in an ugly spat with Bangladesh cricketers.

After Bangladesh won the final by three wickets (via DLS) at the Senwes Park on Sunday, the players of both the teams were seen engaging in an exchange of words, and some even indulged in pushing on the field.

Now the former two greats of Indian cricket have demanded strict action against those players.

“I would take action against the errant Under 19 players, but I also want to know what role has the support staff played in educating these youngsters. Act now before it is too late. The players have to be disciplined,” Mohammad Azharuddin was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“How can you do this? You just keep abusing the opponent right through the game in the name of playing hard. Australians played hard always but without getting personal. We had fast bowlers who did not believe in using cuss words to pump themselves up or upset the batsmen,” added Azhar.

Former all-rounder Kapil Dev supported Azhar and said the BCCI should set an example by punishing the players.

“I would like to see the Board take some strict action against the players to set an example. Cricket is not about abusing the opponent. I am sure there is enough reason for these youngsters to be dealt with firmly by BCCI,” said Kapil.

“I welcome aggression. Nothing wrong in it. But it has to be controlled aggression. You can’t cross the line of decency in the name of being competitive. I would say it was unacceptable that youngsters put up such an obnoxious display on the cricket field,” added the WC winning skipper.