Suryakumar Yadav Pledges to Donate Match Fees to Indian Army

Dubai, Sept 29: Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav announced he will donate his match fees from all games in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 to the Indian Army, following India’s dramatic five wicket victory over arch rivals Pakistan in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India secured their second T20 Asia Cup title and ninth overall across ODI and T20 formats, powered by a well crafted 69  off 53 balls by Tilak Varma and crucial contributions from Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33). Rinku Singh hit the winning runs in his first Asia Cup match, sealing a nail biting finish.

In the post-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav said, “I want to give my match fees from all the games I have played in this tournament to the Indian Army.” He emphasized that the real rewards lie in the teamwork and support staff, calling them the “true trophies” he will cherish forever.

The post match ceremony drew controversy when the Asian Cricket Council announced that Team India would not be collecting their medals or the trophy. “This is something I have never seen in all my years of playing and following cricket. A champion team was denied a trophy, and it was a hard-earned one,” Suryakumar Yadav expressed, while also praising the team’s performances throughout the tournament.

During the final, Pakistan posted 146 all out in 19.1 overs after a solid opening stand of 84 between Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35). India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav (4/30), Varun Chakravarthy (2/30), and Jasprit Bumrah (2/25), orchestrated a remarkable collapse in the middle overs.

India’s chase began shakily at 20/3 due to Faheem Ashraf’s early burst (3/29), but Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson stitched a 57-run partnership to stabilize the innings. Shivam Dube’s 33 off 22 balls further strengthened India’s position, allowing the team to chase down 147 in 19.4 overs and lift the Asia Cup crown.