ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan cricket team has pledged to donate their Asia Cup final match fees to the families of civilians killed in India’s May 7 cross-border strikes, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday, as political frictions overshadowed the tournament even after its conclusion.
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in Sunday’s Asia Cup final in Dubai, but the post-match ceremony sparked controversy when the Indian side refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the PCB and serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.
“The Pakistan Cricket Team has dedicated its Asia Cup final match fees to the innocent victims martyred in the May 7 attack, in which civilians, including children, lost their lives,” the PCB said in a statement posted on X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”
The May 7 confrontation had pushed the two nuclear-armed neighbors close to the brink. India claimed it struck militant targets inside Pakistan and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Islamabad rejected the allegation, insisting only civilians were killed, and said it shot down six Indian fighter jets in retaliation. More than 70 people were reported dead on both sides after days of artillery fire, drone attacks, and airstrikes.
The hostility carried into the cricket field, where both teams faced each other competitively for the first time since the May clashes. Throughout the tournament, Indian players avoided handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts whether at the toss or after matches. Tensions flared further during the Super Four stage, with verbal exchanges between players leading to fines for India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf.
Following the final, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha accused India of showing “disrespect to cricket,” while Indian captain Yadav dismissed the criticism, calling his teammates and support staff “the real trophies.”
Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to Indian media that the decision to snub the trophy presentation was deliberate. He said the Indian team would not receive the award from Naqvi, describing him as “one of the main leaders from Pakistan.”
“But that does not mean the gentleman can take the trophy and medals with him,” Saikia told ANI, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “It is very unfortunate, and we expect the trophy and medals to be handed over to the team as soon as possible.”
He added that the BCCI intends to lodge a “serious and strong protest” against Naqvi’s conduct at the next ICC meeting in Dubai.
