‘Operation Sindoor’: How cricket became latest India-Pakistan weapon of war

The Asia Cup 2025 final has become more than just a cricketing contest — it has turned into a battlefield of nationalist politics.

Following India’s victory over Pakistan on September 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi likened the win to a continuation of “Operation Sindoor,” India’s recent military clash with Pakistan. His post on X — “Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins!” — ignited further political and public tensions.

The trophy ceremony also spiraled into controversy when India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s federal minister for interior and ACC chairman. In response, Naqvi withdrew the trophy and medals from the stage, leaving India with a symbolic “shadow trophy.”

Analysts warn that cricket, once a tool of diplomacy between the nuclear-armed rivals, is increasingly weaponised for political gain. With both sides trading barbs, cricketing spirit risks being overshadowed by nationalist rhetoric.

As relations between India and Pakistan remain strained, cricket — once a bridge — has now become another front in their ongoing rivalry.