Metro53 - KARACHI — The Pakistan cricket team has dedicated their entire match fees from the Asia Cup 2025 final to the children and civilians who were martyred during the Indian missile strike on May 7.
In a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), it was said that the gesture was made by the players to express solidarity with the families of the victims. “Our prayers remain with the affected families,” the statement added.
The Asia Cup final was played yesterday in Dubai against India, where Pakistan fell short in a nail-biting contest, losing by five wickets in the final over. Following the match, unusual scenes unfolded as the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Standing firm on his position, Mr. Naqvi departed the presentation area without handing over the trophy.
Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, who had earlier been fined for making a political statement during the tournament, announced in his post-match press conference that he would donate his match fee to the Indian army.
It may be recalled that on May 7 this year, India launched a missile strike on Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of several innocent civilians, including children. Pakistan retaliated immediately and effectively, downing seven enemy fighter jets and targeting multiple Indian air bases. The escalation prompted New Delhi to seek US intervention, after which the American president mediated a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. He has since reiterated that his efforts prevented a full-scale war in the region.
