
India’s triumph in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan took an emotional turn as captain Suryakumar Yadav pledged his entire match fee from the tournament to the Indian Army. The Men in Blue defended their continental dominance in Dubai with a hard-fought five-wicket victory, securing their ninth Asia Cup crown. However, what should have been a celebratory evening was overshadowed by post-match drama at the presentation ceremony.
Suryakumar Yadav’s heartfelt gesture for Indian Army after Asia Cup 2025 triumph
Suryakumar, who has been at the center of India’s spectacular campaign, announced in the post-match press conference that he would donate his match fees from all Asia Cup 2025 fixtures to the Indian Army as a mark of respect for their service. “I personally want to give all my match fees from this tournament to the Indian army,” Suryakumar said, visibly moved after clinching his first major title as India’s full-time captain.
The gesture has sparked praise from fans, cricketers, and political leaders across India who hailed Suryakumar for using his platform to acknowledge the sacrifices of soldiers. The Indian captain dedicated the title win to the men in uniform, stating that every victory feels more meaningful when it reflects gratitude towards the armed forces.
India’s road to the final was not without challenges, but Suryakumar’s fluent batting and aggressive intent played a vital role in the team’s successful campaign. Alongside strong support from India’s pace attack and middle order, the Men in Blue managed to outplay their fiercest rivals in front of a packed Dubai crowd. His announcement adds another layer to his leadership legacy, highlighting his commitment not only on the field but also beyond it.
Soon after the final, the BCCI confirmed a financial reward of INR 21 crore for the players and support staff, further underlining the scale of India’s achievement. Yet, in cricketing circles, Suryakumar’s selfless pledge stood out as a defining storyline of the tournament.
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Trophy presentation controversy overshadows India’s victory over Pakistan in final
Despite India’s thrilling win, the final became embroiled in unprecedented controversy during the trophy presentation. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi was expected to hand over the trophy. However, Indian players refused to accept the silverware from him, resulting in extraordinary scenes on stage.
The post-match ceremony experienced a long delay, with only individual awards presented while the main trophy remained untouched throughout the event. India had expressed a willingness to receive it from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but Naqvi reportedly denied this request. As a result, the champions celebrated their victory without lifting the cup in one of the most bizarre moments in cricket history.
Speaking to reporters, Suryakumar expressed astonishment at the turn of events. “This is one thing I have never seen since I started playing cricket that a champion team is denied a trophy. That too a hard-earned one. We fought hard since the start and deserved it,” he said.
The Indian skipper added that for him the real trophies were the players and support staff who stood firm throughout the campaign. “My trophies are in the dressing room, the players and coaches who gave everything. These memories mean more to me than anything else,” he remarked.
Though deprived of the symbolic silverware, India’s celebratory scenes resonated with pride and unity. The bizarre trophy standoff is likely to dominate discussions in the days ahead, but for Suryakumar and his teammates, the victory remains a testament to resilience, teamwork, and unshakable spirit.