Pakistan team to donate match fees to victims of 'Operation Sindoor'

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has announced that his entire team will donate their match fees to families affected by what he described as ‘Operation Sindoor’ carried out by the Indian armed forces.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup final, Agha said the decision was unanimous. He explained that the entire team had decided to donate their match fees to the civilians and children affected in the Indian attack during Operation Sindoor, noting this while answering his final question.

Agha’s statement came shortly after India captain Suryakumar Yadav declared that he would donate his match fees to victims of the Pahalgam terror attacks and the armed forces. “I have decided to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who suffered from the Pahalgam terror attack. You always remain in my thoughts,” Yadav posted on his social media accounts.

At the same press interaction, Yadav appeared alongside opener Abhishek Sharma, the tournament’s top scorer. He also said after India’s group stage win over Pakistan that it was the perfect occasion to express solidarity with the victims’ families of the Pahalgam terror attack. He dedicated the win to the armed forces, praising their bravery and expressing hope that they would continue to inspire the team. He added that the players wanted to give the forces more reasons to smile whenever they had the opportunity on the field.

Yadav has also avoided shaking hands with Agha on three occasions, including during the final.

The Asia Cup was played against the backdrop of heightened border tensions. Earlier this year, 26 tourists were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, prompting Indian military action under Operation Sindoor.