DUBAI – The Pakistan cricket team on Monday dedicated its entire match fees from the Asia Cup final against India to the memory of civilians martyred in the May 7 attack carried out by India.
The final, played in Dubai on Sunday, witnessed India edge past Pakistan in a nail-biting contest, securing victory by five wickets in the last over.
Despite winning the tournament, the Indian team courted controversy when they refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
According to reports, Naqvi stood firm, and the Indian side ultimately had to leave the ground without the trophy.
Earlier in the tournament, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had been fined for making political statements during a press conference.
Following the final, he once again sparked debate by announcing that his team’s match fees would be donated to the Indian army.
In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement on social media, declaring that the national team was dedicating its match fees from the final to the children and civilians martyred in the May 7 attack. The statement added, “Our prayers are with the affected families.”
It may be recalled that on May 7 this year, India launched a missile strike on Pakistan, resulting in multiple casualties.
Pakistan retaliated forcefully, shooting down seven Indian fighter jets and destroying several air bases.
Following Pakistan’s robust response, India reportedly sought US intervention to halt the hostilities.
A ceasefire was eventually brokered, with the US President publicly acknowledging on more than 30 occasions that he had intervened to prevent escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
