India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was at his witty best and gave a fitting reply to shut the Pakistani reporter who questioned him about his behavior during the Asia Cup 2025 event towards Salman Agha & Co. after the win on September 28 in Dubai. India defeated Pakistan for the third consecutive time in the tournament to lift their ninth Continental Cup title; however, this time, controversies hogged the limelight rather than on-field cricket.
Everything started with India skipper Surya & Co. declining to shake hands with the Pakistani players after the group-stage game between the two teams on September 14. After the summit clash, Indian players yet again refused a customary handshake and also refused to accept the trophy and winners' medals from Pakistan cricket board (PCB) chairman and Asian cricket council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, and they were forced to celebrate without the trophy.
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Pakistan skipper Salman Agha also stated that the Indian team even disrespected cricket after the final. At the post-match conference, Surya was asked whether he was the first leader to bring politics into cricket.
"Today, you are champions. You played a great game. But the question is, throughout this tournament, your behavior towards the Pakistan team has been noticed — you didn’t do handshakes, you didn’t take part in the photo session with the trophy, and then you held a political press conference. Do you think that in the history of cricket, you are the first captain who has brought politics into the game of cricket?" asked the reporter.
Before the Indian captain was about to answer, he was stopped by media advisors from replying. Surya joked that the reporter was getting agitated, which left the media room in splits. The veteran also said he could not understand the question from the reporter before moving on.
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"Do I have to answer or not? You’re getting angry. I couldn’t even understand your question — you asked four questions at the same time," said Suryakumar.
Suryakumar dedicates his match fees to armed forces
Surya paid a heartwarming and fitting tribute and stated he was dedicating all his match fees from the Asia Cup 2025 event to the armed forces.
"I personally want to give all my match fees from this tournament (from all the games) to the Indian army," Suryakumar Yadav said at the post-match press conference.
