Overview

• India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed players refused to receive the trophy from ACC and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
• BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Pradeep Bhandari criticized Congress and Rahul Gandhi for not issuing congratulations, accusing them of siding with Pakistan and calling Congress a “B-Team.”
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team by invoking “Operation Sindoor,” describing the result as “Operation Sindoor on the games field.”
• Congress leaders Atul Londhe Patil and Harshvardhan Sakpal rebuked the Operation Sindoor reference, arguing the government is politicizing a sporting event and urging sportsmanship.
• Reports noted minimal post-match handshakes and an “imaginary trophy” celebration, with Pakistan’s captain calling India’s refusal to accept the presentation a “disrespect” to the game.