The high-voltage India–Pakistan clash has now sparked a fiery political storm. Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj threw down a challenge to star cricketer Suryakumar Yadav, the BCCI, and the ICC, daring them to prove their solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack by donating match revenues to the widows of the martyrs.

Addressing the media, Bhardwaj declared: “Suryakumar Yadav agar tumhari aukat hai, tumhari BCCI ki aukat hai aur tumhari ICC ki aukat hai toh jitna paisa tumne iss broadcast rights se kamaya hai, advertisers se kamaya hai aur iss dhande cricket se kamaya hai, dedo un 26 shahido ki vidhwaon ko. Tabhi maanenge ki tumne unke liye win dedicate kiya hai.” (If you have guts, if BCCI and ICC have guts, then donate all the money earned from broadcast rights, advertisers, and the business of cricket to the widows of the 26 martyrs. Only then will we believe your dedication is genuine.)

Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav, after India’s emphatic 7-wicket win over Pakistan, had dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. In his post-match statement, he 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.”

The debate has split opinion across the nation. Social media had already been ablaze with boycott calls before the match, as emotions ran high after the April Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 tourist lives. India later responded with Operation Sindoor in May.

Meanwhile, on the eve of the clash, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the charged atmosphere, saying his players “are fully aware of the emotions and sentiments of people back home.”