New Delhi, Sep 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday referenced India’s military Operation Sindoor after the Indian cricket team defeated arch rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final. “Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same India wins! Congrats to our cricketers,” Modi tweeted, drawing a parallel between India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack in May and the cricketing triumph.
However, Modi’s remarks sparked criticism from opposition leaders, who accused him of politicising sports. Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sakpal said, “It is clear from his tweet that, be it air, water, or sports, he brings politics into everything to polarise. While we take pride in India’s win, this is not the first time India has lifted the Asia Cup.”
The India-Pakistan match itself was contentious, taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Earlier clashes during the tournament included Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav refusing to shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Agha, and controversial gestures by Pakistani players during the Super 4 round.
The Asia Cup final was further marred when Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Asian Cricket Council, took the trophy and medals after India refused to accept them from him, citing ongoing political tensions.
Amid the off field drama, India clinched a thrilling victory, securing their ninth Asia Cup title with a five-wicket win, led by standout performances from Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh, who hit the winning runs.