Asia Cup prize money can’t even buy Hardik Pandya’s this belonging, deets inside

The Asia Cup 2025 may have started in Abu Dhabi on September 9, but all eyes were on Hardik Pandya and not for his cricket. The Indian all-rounder was spotted wearing a Richard Mille RM 27-04 watch valued at a jaw-dropping Rs 18 crore, sparking conversations that overshadowed even the tournament’s prize pool.

A Rafael Nadal Connection

This ultra-rare timepiece, created in collaboration with tennis great Rafael Nadal, is a marvel of engineering. Weighing just 30 grams including the strap, it can withstand forces of more than 12,000 g’s, thanks to its movement being suspended inside the case by a steel cable and gold tensioners. With only 50 pieces in existence, the RM 27-04 is not just a watch, it’s a statement of exclusivity and sporting heritage.

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Prize Money vs. Price Tag

According to reports, the winning team of the Asia Cup 2025 is expected to receive around USD 300,000 (Rs 2.6 crore), while the runners-up will earn USD 150,000. That means even the champions’ prize money won’t be enough to purchase Pandya’s luxury watch—a fact that has amused fans online.

India’s Campaign Ahead

Led by Suryakumar Yadav with Shubman Gill as deputy, India’s squad is packed with young talent and seasoned stars. After facing UAE, the Men in Blue will battle Pakistan on September 14, a fixture already hyped as the clash of the tournament.

As India gears up for Asia Cup glory, Pandya’s Rs 18-crore watch serves as a reminder: in cricket, the glamour sometimes shines brighter than the prize itself.

Disclaimer: The information about the watch’s value and Asia Cup prize money is based on media reports. Neither Hardik Pandya nor the tournament organisers have officially confirmed these figures.