Pakistan Team to Donate Asia Cup Match Fees to Families of Terrorists Killed in Operation Sindoor, Says Captain Salman Agha

India claimed a decisive 5-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, securing their ninth Asia Cup title and marking three consecutive wins against Pakistan in the tournament. However, Pakistan's actions post-match sparked controversy. Pakistan captain Salman Agha announced in a press conference that the team had decided to donate their match fees from the final to the families of those killed during India's Operation Sindoor, an anti-terror operation. This statement triggered widespread questions about Pakistan's stance, as Operation Sindoor targeted terrorists.

Salman Agha stated, “As a team, we are donating our Asia Cup final match fees to the families affected by Indian strikes in Pakistan.” His remarks raised concerns about the Pakistan cricket team’s support for those labeled as terrorists by India. During the same conference, Agha criticized India’s behavior in the tournament, saying they were insulting cricket by not shaking hands after the match. He claimed he had no personal issues with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and believed that Yadav would have shaken hands if it were his own choice, though he suggested the Indian captain was following instructions from higher authorities.

The final match saw Pakistan bowled out for 146 runs, with India achieving the target comfortably. Despite the tense atmosphere and repeated controversies, including the Indian team refusing to accept the trophy from PCB and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, the Indian side celebrated their victory with pride. Suryakumar Yadav, India’s captain, pledged to donate his match fees to the Indian Army and families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack, signaling a contrasting message of solidarity and national pride.

The Pakistani team’s decision to fund families of terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor has intensified political and public debate, highlighting the deep divisions and continuing tensions underlying the cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan.