IND vs PAK: Suryakumar dedicates India's Asia Cup win to Armed Forces; ‘we stand by victims of families of Pahalgam’

Standing in solidarity with the families of victims who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated India's win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday to the Armed Forces. 26 innocent lives were lost on the fateful afternoon five months back, following which India retaliated with Operation Sindoor. Calls for boycotting today's India vs Pakistan grew louder ever, including former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh, Kedar Jadav and Manoj Tiwary since the fixture was announced last month.

Keeping in mind the Olympic charter, the Government of India came the BCCI a green light to continue with the game. While India played the game just like any other match, they refrained from shaking hands during the coin toss and after the match, as a mark of protest. In fact, none of the Indian players showed aggression towards the opposition in the game.

“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha didn't turn up for the interview at the post-match presentation ceremony. As far as the match is concerned, India registered a convincing seven-wicket victory in a one-sided Asia Cup 2025 Group A league match.

One box that I always wanted to tick: Suryakumar

Spinners Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Axar Patel (2/18) helped India restrict Pakistan to 127/9 after Salman Agha opted to bat first. In reply, India completed the chase in 15.5 overs with skipper Suryakumar Yadav (47 not out off 37 balls), Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13) and Tilak Varma (31 off 31) making significant contributions.

It was also Suryakumar's highest score against Pakistan in a T20I. Speaking about his own batting, the Indian captain stated he always wanted to stay till the end. “One box that I always wanted to tick - stay there and bat till the end,” added Suryakumar, who turned 35 on the day.

With four points from two games, India have virtually sealed their spot in the Super 4 stage. The Men in Blue will play their final league game against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.