Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, stated it was unique to hear compliments from Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi after India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday, September 28. The Prime Minister praised the squad quickly after the victory, alluding to Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the recent terror assaults in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
#OperationSindoor on the games field.
Outcome is the same – India wins!
Congrats to our cricketers.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2025
Reacting to the message, Suryakumar Yadav said it felt as if the Prime Minister himself had taken the field.
He also added that the team’s success was made even more satisfying by the celebrations back home.
India’s journey in the continental tournament was marked by heavy political undertones. The team faced their arch-rivals three times, with tensions rising during each fixture. In a strong statement of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attacks and support for the armed forces carrying out Operation Sindoor, the Men in Blue avoided the customary handshake with the Pakistan teammates. This move drew criticism from the opposition camp, shifting much of the spotlight outside the cricket field.
The controversy deepened after the final, when India refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman. The symbolic snub added another layer to an already politically charged encounter. With the victory, India extended their dominance in Asian cricket and now turn their focus to upcoming international assignments, with full momentum on the field and encouragement.
India
