Entire match revenue should go to terror attack victims, says SP leader Abu Azmi

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi congratulated the Indian cricket team on their victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup but stirred controversy by questioning the match itself. He said that any revenue generated from the match should be given to the families of the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Azmi added, “Our team should not have played against Pakistan. The funds from this match should go to the families affected by terrorism.” He further criticized Pakistan, claiming that the country continues to promote terrorism and questioned the need for a ceasefire and bilateral cricket matches. Azmi said, “The Prime Minister will have to answer why we are playing such matches.” Opposition concern over India-Pakistan matches The opposition parties have also expressed concern over India-Pakistan matches, arguing that sports events should not continue in the aftermath of attacks like the Pahalgam terror incident on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives. In retaliation to the terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to Pakistan. Operation Sindoor on the games field, says PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced Operation Sindoor while addressing the victory. He said, “Operation Sindoor continues on the field. The result is the same… India wins. Congratulations to our cricketers.” #OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same - India wins! Congrats to our cricketers. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2025 Skipper Suryakumar Yadav to donate his entire match fee After the match, Suryakumar Yadav shared an emotional post on the social media platform 'X'. He wrote that he would donate his entire match fee to the Indian Armed Forces and the families of those martyred in the Pahalgam terror attack. Ind vs Pak Asia Cup Final: India refuses to accept the trophy from ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, humiliates Pakistan further He wrote— "I have decided to donate my match fee from this tournament to support our armed forces and help the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. You are always in my thoughts. Jai Hind." I have decided to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who suffered from the Pahalgam terror attack. You always remain in my thoughts 🙏🏽 Jai Hind 🇮🇳 — Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) September 28, 2025 India defeated Pakistan by five wickets, securing the Asia Cup title for the ninth time. However, in a statement of Pahalgahm terror attack, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan’s minister, Mohsin Naqvi, during the award ceremony. Naqvi was standing separately while the Indian players maintained a distance of 15 yards from him.