Indian cricket team captain Suryakumar Yadav has won hearts both on and off the field. After leading India to the Asia Cup title on Sunday, Yadav announced that he would donate his entire match fee from the tournament to the Indian Armed Forces and the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack.
“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,” he posted on his social media accounts.
Refused to Shake Hands with Pakistan Captain
Yadav had already made headlines earlier in the tournament when he refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha on three separate occasions — including during the final.
After India’s seven-wicket win in their first encounter against Pakistan in the group stage, Yadav had said, “This is the perfect occasion to say that we stand by the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims. We express our solidarity. We dedicate this win to our armed forces who showed immense bravery. We hope to keep making them proud.”
India faced Pakistan three times during the tournament — their first meeting since the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this April, which later triggered retaliatory military action by India in May. India won all three matches convincingly.
Trophy Controversy with Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi
In a dramatic twist after the final, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Asia Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chairman. Reports suggest that Naqvi took the trophy back with him after the snub.
“I have never seen a champion team not getting a trophy. We deserved it. But the real trophies are my 14 teammates — they will always stay in my memory,” Yadav said during the post-match press briefing.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also demanded that Naqvi return the trophy and medals immediately.
Pakistan Skipper Reacts
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment at India’s stance.
“Suryakumar Yadav did shake hands with me at the press conference and during the referee’s meeting. But then he didn’t do it in front of everyone. Maybe he’s just following instructions — that’s fine,” Agha said after the final.
From refusing handshakes to refusing the trophy — Suryakumar Yadav has made his stand crystal clear. And with his generous donation, he has emerged not just as a match-winner but as a national hero.
