New Delhi: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that he decided to donate his entire match fee from the Asia Cup to support the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian Armed Forces. Speaking about his gesture, Yadav said, “On my way to the press conference, I thought about how many Indians are there and felt we could all contribute something small to help. If everyone pitches in a little, it makes a difference. I couldn’t fully express this at the time because things were happening quickly, but this donation is for the armed forces and the victims of Pahalgam. I will do whatever I can.”
Suryakumar Yadav also expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweet describing the team’s performance as “Operation Sindoor on the games field.” He said, “It feels great when the country’s leader himself plays aggressively; it was like he took the strike and scored runs. Seeing him stand strong gives players the confidence to play freely.”
Reflecting on the nationwide celebration following India’s Asia Cup win, Yadav remarked, “The most important thing is that the whole country is rejoicing. When we return home, it will be a proud moment and will inspire us to perform even better.”
Addressing the controversy around India refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophy from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Yadav downplayed the issue. “I wouldn’t call it a controversy. People have shared pictures of the trophy everywhere, but the real trophy is winning the hearts of the people, earning the trust of the players, support staff, and everyone behind the scenes. That’s the true reward—the hard work and effort everyone puts in on the field.”
Yadav’s words highlight not just his dedication on the pitch, but also his commitment to giving back and honoring the spirit of teamwork and national pride.
