The Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan ended with more headlines off the field than on it.
After India’s emphatic win, captain Suryakumar Yadav pledged to donate his entire match fee to the Indian armed forces and the families of those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives earlier this year.
In response, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha announced that he and his teammates would also contribute their Asia Cup earnings. He said the funds would go to civilians and children “affected by India’s Operation Sindoor,” the military strike launched by India against terror camps in Bahawalpur following the Pahalgam attack.
But Operation Sindoor did not harm ordinary civilians or children. Among those killed were family members of internationally wanted terrorist Masood Azhar. That has led many to question Agha’s move, suggesting Pakistan’s “donation” could end up supporting the families of terrorists rather than innocent victims.
The tension spilled into the presentation ceremony as well. India’s players reportedly refused to accept the trophy from PCB chairman and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi. While individual awards were collected from other dignitaries, the Indian team avoided any direct acknowledgment of Naqvi. Calling India’s behavior “disappointing” and “disrespectful to cricket,” Agha openly criticized their stance.
The ceremony dragged on for more than an hour and ended awkwardly, with broadcaster Simon Doull announcing that India would not be collecting their team awards.
