Web desk: The Pakistan cricket team has announced that it is dedicating its Asia Cup final match fees to the memory of innocent civilians who lost their lives in the Indian attack of May 7.
During a post-match press conference, national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha said that ‘Pakistan team dedicates the match fee of the final to the innocent citizens martyred in the Indian attack of May 7.’
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also confirmed the gesture in a statement on X, noting that several civilians, including children, were killed in the strike.
Tensions also spilt onto the cricket field, as India repeatedly politicised the tournament. During the opening Pakistan-India match, the Indian captain refused to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha and other Pakistani players.
Later, when Pakistan’s captain and coach visited the Indian dressing room after the game, the door was shut on them.
Even after winning the final, India did not refrain from political moves. The Indian team refused to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, delaying the closing ceremony by nearly two hours.
Eventually, the team left the stadium without collecting the trophy.
The final, played in Dubai, ended in a nail-biting finish as India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the last over.
The backdrop to the dedication remains the May 7 attack, when India targeted Pakistan, killing and injuring numerous civilians. Pakistan retaliated forcefully, shooting down seven Indian aircraft and destroying several airbases.
Following Pakistan’s strong response, India sought US intervention for a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump has publicly stated on several occasions that he personally mediated to prevent escalation between the two nuclear powers.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi slams Indian PM Modi for politicising cricket
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi has criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing politics into sports following India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.
His remarks came after the Indian premier posted a controversial message on social media celebrating the win. Responding firmly, Naqvi wrote, “If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan’s hands. No cricket match can rewrite that truth”
If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan’s hands. No cricket match can rewrite that truth. Dragging war into sport only exposes desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game https://t.co/lqiUATm3wX
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 29, 2025
He added, “Dragging war into sport only exposes desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game”.
The controversy followed India’s refusal to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi after the final in Dubai.
According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally informed the ACC that its team would not accept the trophy. The trophy was later withdrawn from the field as a result.
Read more: PCB files complaint against Arshdeep Singh over indecent gestures
