The Pakistan cricket team has dedicated its entire match fee from the Asia Cup 2025 final against India to the victims of the May 7 missile attack that killed several civilians, including children.
In a statement on X, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said, “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. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”
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. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 28, 2025
The decision came a day after the dramatic Asia Cup final in Dubai, where India edged Pakistan by five wickets in the last over. Despite the victory, the Indian team sparked controversy by refusing to collect the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who stood firm, forcing the ceremony to end without a presentation.
Earlier in the tournament, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav was fined for making political statements in a press conference. Following the final, he once again courted headlines by announcing that the Indian team would donate its match fees to the Indian Army.
The May 7 attack had triggered a major escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations. According to official reports, India’s strike killed multiple Pakistani civilians, prompting a strong retaliatory response from Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force downed seven Indian aircraft and destroyed several air bases in return.
The conflict pushed both countries to the brink of war before the United States intervened to secure a ceasefire. U.S. President Donald Trump has since repeatedly stated that Washington played a crucial role in preventing a wider conflict between the two sides.