Indian cricket team captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the team’s Asia Cup 2025 victory over Pakistan to the Indian armed forces, while also expressing solidarity with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Under his leadership, India produced a commanding performance, sealing a comprehensive seven-wicket win against Pakistan in the Group A clash.
At the post-match presentation, Yadav expressed his solidarity with the armed forces and the victims’ families.
“Perfect occasion, taking the time out – we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity,” Yadav said.
Adding to that he said, “I want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile”.
Tensions beyond the cricket field
The India-Pakistan game carried extra weight this year, coming against the backdrop of heightened political tension. In April, a terror attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 tourists, sparking nationwide anger.
India later launched Operation Sindoor in May, striking terror camps across the border. The offensive triggered a tense military standoff before both nations stepped back following Pakistan’s request for a ceasefire.
‘Just another game’
Despite the political backdrop, Yadav stressed that for the Indian team, the match was treated like any other.
“Great feeling and a perfect return gift to India. Human tendency that it keeps running in your mind when you think about it (his earlier line about the win being a return gift). You definitely want to win it, and when you win it, you have it ready. One box that I always wanted to tick – stay there and bat till the end,” he said.
He added that the team’s preparation remained consistent no matter the opposition.
“For the whole team, we think it’s just another game. We prepare the same for all oppositions. That’s what happened a few months back. The team that won the CT set the tone. I’m always a fan of spinners because they control the game in the middle.”
Asia Cup chief criticised India
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, criticised India for their behaviour after the match. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi said the Indian team broke the spirit of sportsmanship by refusing to shake hands with Pakistan’s players before and after the game.
“Utterly disappointed by the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace,” Naqvi wrote.