'I dare Suryakumar Yadav': AAP leader's big challenge to BCCI on IND-PAK encounter at Asia Cup

India captain Suryakumar Yadav

Former Delhi minister and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Saurabh Bhardwaj blasted BCCI and Suryakumar Yadav for playing against Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup. He even challenged them to donate the money earned from the match to the widows of the victims of Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

Speaking at a press conference, he remarked: “I dare Suryakumar Yadav, the BCCI, and the ICC to donate the money earned from the India-Pakistan match to the widows in Pahalgam.”

VIDEO | AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj says, “I dare Suryakumar Yadav, the BCCI, and the ICC to donate the money earned from the India-Pakistan match to the widows in Pahalgam.”

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(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/bPBwV2pZcD

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 15, 2025

In the post-match interview, Suryakumar Yadav stated that he and his team express solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicated the victory to them and the Indian armed forces.

Suryakumar after powering India to a thumping seven-wicket victory against the arch rivals had said: "Perfect occasion, taking the time out we stand by the families of the victims of the 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."

Messages to boycott the India-Pakistan match were all over social media due to heightened tension between the two nations after the gruesome terrorist attack in April, also forcing India to launch Operation Sindoor in May.

Addressing media a day before the clash, India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had said the team understand the sentiments of the countrymen. Interestingly, Suryakumar did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, neither before or after the match, which has now snowballed into a major controversy at the continental showdown.

The Men in Blue have advanced to the Super Four stage.