India secured their second T20 Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket win against Pakistan in the 2025 final on Sunday. However, the drama extended far beyond the boundary ropes, as post-match statements from both teams captured as much attention as the on-field action.
Before the crucial final, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi and Muhammad Yunus had publicly declared that, should their team emerge victorious, they intended to dedicate the coveted Asia Cup trophy to the Pakistan Air Force. Afridi even disclosed that he had personally approached the players with this motivational suggestion, hoping to inspire them for the high-stakes encounter.
Ultimately, it was India who celebrated the championship. Chasing a target of 147 after bowling Pakistan out for 146, Suryakumar Yadav’s squad reached home with just two balls to spare. A composed unbeaten 69 from Tilak Varma, complemented by Shivam Dube’s vital 33, sealed the victory for India.
This final win marked India’s third conquest over Pakistan in the tournament, having previously defeated their arch-rivals in both the league stage and the Super Fours.
During the post-match press conference, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav announced his decision to donate his match fees from all games in the tournament to the Indian Army. “As a gesture, I want to donate my match fees from all the games in this tournament to the Indian Army. I don’t know if people will call it controversial, but for me, it’s the right thing to do,” he stated before leaving the conference.
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha responded in kind, though with a different focus. “We, as a team, are donating our match fees to all the civilians who lost their lives during the Indian attack and to our kids who were affected by it. We are donating it to them,” he declared, quickly concluding his press conference.