The Pahalgam Attack, Operation Sindoor & Rising Tensions
A few months into 2025, there was a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that claimed the innocent lives of 26 tourists, who were Indians as well as international tourists. This incident initiated national outcry across India, with insistence for a powerful response against this cowardly attack on India and for the lives lost.
The Indian government then launched Operation Sindoor, a counter-strike targeting alleged terror formations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). These military attacks led to a tense standoff for several days, heightening animosity between the two nations.
These events all affected the cricketing contest between India and Pakistan in 2025, which was deeply symbolic of the political situation between the countries. There was a call to boycott the Asia Cup match in India, citing the Pahalgam tragedy. However, the tournament proceeded, and the India vs. Pakistan matches became more than just sports. They became the areas of national sentiment.
India vs Pakistan: Asia Cup 2025 — Three Battles on the Field
In the whole conduct of the 2025 Asia Cup, India and Pakistan clashed three times: First was in the group stage, second was in the Super Fours, and finally, the third match was in the Championship Final.
- Group Stage (Sep 14, 2025, Dubai)
In this first match, Pakistan batted first and managed to score 127/9 in their 20-over innings. In reply, India chased and won the match by scoring 131/3 in just 15.5 overs. Suryakumar Yadav remained undefeated and not out on 47 runs, with contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, with each of them scoring 31 runs individually. This victory gave India momentum and a psychological advantage. It was seen notably that after the match, Indian players refused to have customary handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. It was an early signal that tensions would influence on-field behaviour. - Super Fours (Sep 21, 2025, Dubai)
The second match took place in their Super Fours showdown, Pakistan set a higher target of 171/5 in their 20 overs. However, India successfully achieved it by reaching 174/4 in 18.4 overs and won the match by a 6-wicket win with only seven balls to go. Abhishek Sharma’s good form and performance anchored the chase. Throughout this match, India again avoided having the customary handshakes with Pakistan. This again showed India’s dominance and further psychological pressure on Pakistan.
- The Grand Final (Sep 28, 2025, Dubai)
Here comes the final strike, with India and Pakistan playing against each other in the final of the Asia Cup, 2025. It was the first time that India and Pakistan met in an Asia Cup Final.
In the first innings, Pakistan batted and was dismissed for 146 all out, after having a strong start and losing their first wicket at (113/1). They lost their last nine wickets in just 33 runs.
The Indian bowling attack was very potent: Kuldeep Yadav took 4/30, supported by others like Axar, Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy.
In the second innings, India’s chase began shakily as they lost three early wickets and were under pressure. However, Tilak Varma walked in at the right moment, steadied the innings with Shivam Dube through a 60-run partnership and anchored the chase.
Tilak Varma remained undefeated throughout the match, scoring 69 runs out of 53 balls, leading India to a five-wicket victory with two balls to spare.
His game displayed a composed aggression, mixing a smart strike rotation with timely boundaries and sixes, especially against the best bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
After the Final: Politics, Pride & Viral Moments
Trophy Snub & Presentation Drama
In a turn of events, after the match, the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy or medals from Mohsin Naqvi, the President of the Asian Cricket Council and also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Due to the political tensions rooted between the countries, due to the Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor, the Indian players declined to part in any formal presentation. The ceremony was delayed and ultimately shortened. India accepted only the individual awards, bypassing the trophy baton.
India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, expressed disappointment that his team was denied the moment for formally receiving their title. The BCCI is also expected to lodge a formal complaint with the ICC over Naqvi’s role.
Viral Reactions, Mock Ceremonies & Social Media
There was a light, fun banter. After the match, the Indian players were seen having an enjoyable victory moment when they were seen celebrating their victory with an imaginary trophy. There was a Jasprit Bumrah celebration after dismissing Haris Rauf in the final, which included a “fighter-jet” motion mocking Rauf’s earlier antics.
After the historic 9th win of India in the Asia Cup, 2025, our beloved Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi Ji congratulated Team India with a post on this social media handle, which says “#Operation Sindoor on the game field. Outcome is the same- India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.”
