'We stand with victims of Pahalgam attack': Suryakumar Yadav dedicates win over Pakistan to Indian armed forces

Suryakumar Yadav dedicates win over Pakistan to Indian armed forces (AP Photo)

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav celebrated his birthday with a crushing win against Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday. India meant business as usual from the word go and restricted Pakistan to 127/9 after they won the toss and opted to bat first. In response, the Men In Blue wrapped the chase with 4.1 overs to spare with Suryakumar finishing the show in style.

Regarded as a much-awaited fixture, Sunday's clash between India and Pakistan witnessed plenty of backlash over the recent Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. This was the first meeting between the two sides and many had called for a boycott against the match.

Hence, Suryakumar without being prompted at the post-match presentation ceremony, took the opportunity to share a message for the victims of the heinous terrorist attack. "We stand by the victims of the families of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. We want to dedicate today's 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," the India T20I skipper said.

Meanwhile, witnessed an interesting moment was also observed both at the start and end of the match, something which we rarely see in cricket. The Indian captain and his Pakistani counterpart didn't engage in a customary handshake at the toss and similar scenes were witnessed post the encounter, which India won by seven wickets.

It appeared that Surykumar, who returned unbeaten on 47, walked-off with Shivam Dube right after the work was finished, not allowing any exchange with any Pakistan players.

India's fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate was asked on the boycott sentiments ahead of the clash, to which he said that it remains a sensitive issue but the players are strictly following the directives of the BCCI and the Indian government.

"It is a very sensitive issue. Players feel the emotion and sentiments of the public. This is what we have discussed in the team meetings. Players are here to play cricket. We are following government instructions," the India support staff member said.

"Our thing is you separate sports and politics. I understand the sentiment but we are following directive of BCCI and government. Knowing this will happen was the most frustrating part. Gauti's (head coach Gautam Gambhir) message is to not focus on things not in your control. Message is to focus on cricket," he added.