In a heartwarming gesture following India’s hard-fought victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, captain Suryakumar Yadav has committed to donating his entire match fee to the Indian Army. The declaration emphasizes his dedication not only to the game but also to the soldiers who serve the nation selflessly.
India secured its ninth Asia Cup title with a five-wicket triumph in Dubai, but the celebration was overshadowed by a significant controversy during the post-match ceremony. The Indian team controversially refused to accept the championship trophy from Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Naqvi, insisting on presenting the trophy himself, led to a standoff that left the Indian team trophy-less on the field—a situation that has rarely, if ever, occurred in cricket history.
“This is one thing I have never seen since I started playing cricket – that a champion team is denied a trophy. It was a hard-earned tournament, and we deserved to hold it,” Yadav remarked during a post-match press conference, expressing the team’s frustration over the ceremony’s handling. While individual awards were distributed, the formal trophy presentation was delayed, with Naqvi blocking the Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni’s attempt to present the trophy.
Despite the incident, Yadav chose to focus on the memories created throughout the tournament, referring to his team members as the true trophies of the victory. “If you ask me about trophies, my trophies are in the dressing room—the 14 players and the support staff who stood with me throughout this journey. They are the real trophies I will cherish forever,” he added.
In recognition of their efforts and success, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a financial reward of ₹21 crore for the players and support staff, highlighting the significance of their achievement in the Asia Cup.
The emotional engagement of fans resonates deeply, as Suryakumar’s charitable gesture toward the armed forces complements the thrill of their victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. However, the ongoing controversy surrounding the trophy presentation continues to generate spirited discussions within the cricketing community.
