Dubai – India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his team’s seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 to the Armed Forces, in solidarity with victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
The Indian skipper, speaking at the post-match presentation in Dubai, said: “We stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We dedicate this win to our armed forces who showed immense bravery during Operation Sindoor. Hope they continue to inspire us, and we make them smile with our performances.”
The attack had sparked widespread calls to boycott the India-Pakistan clash, with former cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Kedar Jadhav and Manoj Tiwary among those opposing the fixture. However, the Government of India, keeping the Olympic charter in mind, allowed the BCCI to go ahead with the match.
As a mark of protest, Indian players refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the toss and after the game. Despite the off-field tensions, India dominated the contest, chasing down the target with ease.
Notably, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the customary post-match interview, while India sealed a commanding seven-wicket victory in the Group A league encounter.
