Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar’s Donation Wins Hearts Beyond Cricket
Dubai: India’s T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav has announced he will donate his entire Asia Cup 2025 match fees to the Indian Armed Forces and families of the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
In a heartfelt post on X, Yadav wrote:
“I have decided to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who suffered from the Pahalgam terror attack. You always remain in my thoughts. Jai Hind.”
I have decided to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who suffered from the Pahalgam terror attack. You always remain in my thoughts 🙏🏽
Jai Hind 🇮🇳
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) September 28, 2025
Asia Cup 2025: India’s Title Win
India lifted the Asia Cup after a tense final in Dubai, with Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69, supported by Shivam Dube (33) and Sanju Samson (24), guiding the Men in Blue to chase down Pakistan’s 147 in 19.4 overs. India finished at 150-5, winning by five wickets.
Trophy Drama Overshadows Celebration
The celebrations, however, were overshadowed by an unprecedented stand-off. Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Chants of “Bharat Maata Ki Jai” echoed in the stands as India boycotted the ceremony. Naqvi eventually walked away with the trophy and medals, sparking outrage and a looming BCCI protest at the ICC.
The Shadow of Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor
This Asia Cup was played under the cloud of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor (May 7–10), India’s retaliatory strike on terror hideouts in Pakistan. Against this backdrop, Suryakumar’s gesture carried deeper resonance—honoring both the Armed Forces and the victims’ families.
