Following the Asia Cup 2025 final, Pakistan's cricket team, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, has reportedly decided to donate their match fees to civilians affected by India’s "Operation Sindoor". This decision follows India's victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.

Operation Sindoor: Context and Details

"Operation Sindoor" was reportedly launched by India on May 7, 2025, targeting what India claimed were terrorist infrastructure facilities of Pakistan-based militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir. India stated that the operation was a response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians were killed. India accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, a charge Pakistan denied.

Pakistan claimed that the Indian strikes hit civilian areas, including mosques, resulting in civilian casualties. Following these strikes, there were reports of border skirmishes and drone strikes between the two countries. India described "Operation Sindoor" as a "principle-driven military response underpinned by strategic restraint," emphasizing that it targeted terrorist training camps and not military targets.

Pakistan's Donation and Agha's Statements

According to reports, Salman Ali Agha announced the team's decision to donate their Asia Cup final match fees to the families of civilians and children allegedly killed in the May Indian attacks. Agha also criticized India's conduct during the tournament, alleging unsportsmanlike behavior. He specifically mentioned that the Indian team avoided shaking hands with Pakistani players and officials, which he considered disrespectful to the spirit of cricket.

Agha stated that while he had no personal issues with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team's behavior was disappointing. He claimed that Yadav had shaken hands with him privately but avoided doing so in public. Agha also noted the post-match presentation was delayed because the Indian side refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

India's Perspective and Actions

Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of the Indian team, announced that he would donate his entire Asia Cup match fee to the Indian Army and the families of victims of the Pahalgam attack. This decision was made after leading the team to victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. Following their Asia Cup win, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a reward of ₹21 crore (approximately $2.5 million USD) for the Indian cricket team and its support staff.

There were reports that the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. Sources indicated that India was prepared to receive the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but Naqvi did not permit this.

Asia Cup 2025 Highlights

India won the Asia Cup 2025, defeating Pakistan in the final by five wickets. India remained undefeated throughout the tournament, securing their ninth Asia Cup title. India received US$30,000 as winners of the Asia Cup. Kuldeep Yadav was named the Most Valuable Player and Highest Wicket Taker of the Tournament. Abhishek Sharma was the Highest Run Scorer of the Tournament.