Indian Cricket Captain Suryakumar Yadav announced on Sunday that he would donate his entire match fees from the Asia Cup 2025 to the Indian armed forces and the families of victims from the Pahalgam terror attack, capping off India's triumphant campaign with a gesture of national solidarity. The 35-year-old Mumbai batter, who led the team to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final at Dubai International Stadium, shared the decision via a post on X, stating, "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. Jai Hind 🇮🇳."
With India playing seven matches in the T20 format, where players earn ₹4 lakh per game, Yadav's contribution totals approximately ₹28 lakh, a sum that underscores his commitment to those serving the nation and those affected by tragedy.
The announcement came amid heightened patriotic fervour following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, when militants from The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. The assault claimed 26 lives—primarily Hindu tourists, along with a Christian visitor and a local Muslim—marking one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Yadav had earlier dedicated India's opening win over Pakistan on September 14 to the victims and the army, weaving the tournament's narrative with themes of resilience and remembrance. Yadav's philanthropy arrives against the backdrop of India's dominant Asia Cup performance, their second T20 title and ninth overall since 1984, achieved without a single loss.
The final chase of 147 saw a shaky start at 20-3, but a gritty recovery led by Tilak Varma's unbeaten 69 off 53 balls secured the win with two balls to spare. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by controversy when the team declined the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan's interior minister, citing sensitivities linked to the Pahalgam attack and cross-border tensions.
In a post-match press conference, Yadav expressed dismay, saying, "I have never seen a champion team denied the trophy... My players and support staff are the real trophies." The BCCI plans to lodge a formal protest with the ICC over the incident, highlighting the intersection of sports and geopolitics in India-Pakistan encounters.
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This donation not only honours the armed forces' sacrifices but also aids families still grappling with the Pahalgam aftermath, where investigations continue into the attackers' networks. Yadav, known for his explosive batting and calm leadership since taking over as T20I captain in 2024, has a history of charitable acts, including support for underprivileged youth in cricket.
Fans and former players lauded the move on social media, with many calling it a "true captain's call" that transcends the field. As India eyes upcoming global tours, Yadav's gesture reinforces cricket's role in fostering unity and empathy amid national challenges.
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