Pakistan Captain Pledges Match Fees to Families After Asia Cup Loss

India triumphed over Pakistan by five wickets in the final of the Asia Cup 2025, held on Sunday. The highly anticipated match concluded with significant off-field discussions, particularly regarding the actions and statements of both team captains. Following the game, Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan, announced that his team would donate their match fees to families affected by the Indian military operation known as Operation Sindoor. This operation was launched in response to the devastating terror attack that occurred in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.

During the post-match press conference, Agha expressed his disappointment with the Indian team’s behavior, particularly regarding a handshake tradition that was not honored. He stated, “What India has done this tournament is very disappointing. They’re not disrespecting us by not shaking hands; they’re disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t do what they did today.”

Agha elaborated further, emphasizing that his team still posed with the trophy and accepted their medals despite the absence of a handshake from their opponents. “I don’t want to use harsh words, but they’ve been very disrespectful,” he added, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment for his team.

In contrast, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav pledged to donate his match fees from the tournament to support the Indian Armed Forces and the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack. He stated, “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.”

The post-match atmosphere was further complicated by a significant controversy regarding the tournament trophy. Yadav noted that he had never experienced a situation where a champion team was denied their trophy. “For a champion team to be denied the trophy is something unheard of. We fought hard, playing two intense games in as many days, and I felt the boys deserved the recognition. I don’t want to say much more, but it was disappointing,” he remarked.

This incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Reports indicate that the strikes in Bahawalpur involved the deaths of several family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar. Following the military operation, the Pakistan government reportedly expressed its intention to support Azhar.

In a further twist, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. This decision has drawn significant attention and criticism, overshadowing the competitive spirit of the Asia Cup final.

The Asia Cup 2025 final, while filled with sporting excellence, was underscored by the intertwining of cricket and international relations, reminding spectators of the complexities surrounding the rivalry between India and Pakistan.