Pakistan skipper to give away Asia Cup match earnings for 'militants'? Salman Agha remarks on 'Operation Sindoor...
India secured a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in a tense Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday. After the match, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha reportedly announced at the post-match press conference that his team would contribute their match fees to families impacted by India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’. His remarks followed Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s earlier pledge to donate his tournament earnings to the Indian Armed Forces.
Commenting on the ongoing handshake controversy, Agha criticized India for breaking away from the customary tradition.
“What India has done during this tournament is extremely disappointing. By refusing handshakes, they are not insulting us alone—they are insulting the game itself. No respectable team behaves like this,” Agha remarked.
He further added, “We still went ahead with the trophy pictures because it was our responsibility. We stood, collected our medals, and did what was required. I don’t want to sound too harsh, but India’s conduct was highly disrespectful.”
Trophy Controversy Overshadows Final
India’s title win was clouded by another row when captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the team was never formally handed the Asia Cup trophy. The post-match ceremony was delayed by more than an hour and concluded without the usual celebrations.
Speaking to reporters, Yadav expressed his frustration:
“In all my years of cricket, I have never seen something like this. To deny the champion side their trophy is beyond belief. We played back-to-back high-pressure matches, and the boys fully deserved that moment of recognition. It’s very disappointing.”
Geopolitical Context
The controversy comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, following the launch of Operation Sindoor by Indian forces in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
During the operation, Indian forces struck militant infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Reports suggest that strikes in Bahawalpur killed several relatives of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) founder Masood Azhar. In the aftermath, the Pakistani government allegedly announced relief measures for Azhar’s family.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Pledge
Reiterating his stance, Yadav told the media:
“I have decided to dedicate my match fees from this tournament to support the Armed Forces and the families of the victims of the Pahalgam attack. They are always in my prayers.”
According to IANS sources, the Indian team also refused to receive the trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who simultaneously serves as Pakistan Cricket Board chief and the country’s Interior Minister.
