India skipper Suryakumar Yadav made a heartwarming gesture after his team's success in the Asia Cup 2025, stating he will be donating all his match fee from the tournament to the Indian armed forces.
The skipper did not spare words in expressing his disappointment with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for denying the champions' trophy even after India's hard-fought campaign.
I believe this is something I have never seen. After playing and watching cricket, a champion side not being awarded a trophy. That too a hard-won one," Suryakumar opined after India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final at the Dubai International Stadium.
India remained undefeated in the tournament, beating Pakistan thrice, including in the final. However, the absence of a trophy presentation put a slight dampener to celebrations.
For me, real trophies are in the dressing room — my 14 teammates and the support staff. They are the reason we won this title. Still, a team winning a hard-fought tournament and not getting a trophy is something I have never seen," he said.
On the off-field issues, Suryakumar reiterated that it did not affect his leadership.
"I thought it wasn't that tough. The boys accepted it in their stride. They were very pleased with how the campaign was unfolding.
From day one I have been saying them just one thing: Let's just keep cricket on the field in mind. And when we are going to the practice sessions, let's enjoy doing what we are doing. Do the same things that we want to do in the match.".
I believe the boys took it well. I feel unconquered in the tournament, the boys rose to the occasion whenever required. I believe those are the little moments, little trophies, which we won progressing towards the World Cup year.
And as I mentioned before also, I have never witnessed this — a team winning a closely fought tournament and not receiving a trophy. We can't say that we were disappointed. But see, we had many smiles on our faces as we were on the ground enjoying the moment on the podium," he mentioned.
Suryakumar also spoke about his batting form, rejecting accusations that he was "out of form."
"I don't think I am out of form; I am out of runs. I have faith in my preparations. During matches, it is all on autopilot. God is watching, and if you keep playing well, everything comes on time," he said.
Finishing his media conference on a surprise note, the India captain announced, "As a gesture, I would like to donate my match fees for all the games in this tournament to the Indian Army. I don't know if people might call it controversial, but for me, it's the right thing to do."
