Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian team on their victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final match as he compared the summit clash to Operation Sindoor.
"Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same - India wins! Congrats to our cricketers,” Modi wrote on X soon after the team pulled off a five-wicket win against their arch-rival at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night.
Operation Sindoor is the code name of the military campaign India had launched against the terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack.
India’s action sparked a military confrontation between the two countries, causing heavy damage to several Pakistani air bases and military infrastructures.
While congratulating the team, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, too, made an indirect reference to Operation Sindoor as he said the country is destined to win “no matter which field”.
"A phenomenal victory. The fierce energy of our boys blew up the rivals again. Bharat is destined to win no matter which field,” Shah wrote on X.
Meanwhile, high drama unfolded at the stadium after the politically charged match, with the Indian team refusing to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi.
Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan interior minister, has a pronounced anti-India stance, and his recent social media posts targeting Indian armed forces had triggered outrage.
As Naqvi walked away with the trophy, the champions celebrated their victory without the silverware.