India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title with a dominant five-wicket victory over Pakistan on Sunday. This triumph sparked a wave of celebrations, including a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which notably referenced “Operation Sindoor.” Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav later shared his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s support.
Speaking to ANI, Yadav remarked, “It feels incredibly good when the nation’s leader takes the initiative, batting on the front foot himself. It felt like he stepped up and scored runs for us. It was inspiring to witness, and with our leader’s unwavering support, the players feel empowered to perform freely. The most important thing is that the entire country is celebrating. When we return to India, this feeling will be even more profound, providing us with immense inspiration and motivation to continue excelling.”
The post-match festivities, however, included an unusual incident during the trophy presentation. The Indian team did not receive the coveted trophy directly from Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC Chief and PCB Chairman. Reports indicated that the PCB chairman left the podium with the trophy after the ceremony, leaving many surprised by this departure from tradition.
When asked about this unconventional trophy presentation, Suryakumar Yadav offered a thoughtful perspective. “I wouldn’t label it a controversy,” he explained. “If you look around, people have shared photos of the trophy widely. But to me, the true trophy lies in winning the hearts of the people, the players, the trust you earn, the unwavering support from the staff, and the dedication of everyone working behind the scenes. That, for us, is the real trophy—the collective work and effort displayed on the field.”
Beyond the trophy incident, another significant moment occurred: the Indian team chose not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after securing the Asia Cup. This decision stemmed from the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. In a powerful gesture of solidarity with the armed forces and deep respect for the victims, India collectively decided against the traditional handshake, a stance that reflected the nation’s response following “Operation Sindoor.”