Congress Criticizes PM Modi's 'Operation Sindoor' Remark After India’s Asia Cup Victory Over Pakistan

The Congress party on Monday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post comparing India’s Asia Cup cricket victory over Pakistan to a military operation, saying that it is inappropriate to equate a sports match with a battlefield.

Following India’s five-wicket win in the Asia Cup final at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the team. His post read: “Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same — India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.”

Congress leader Pawan Khera reshared the post and expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Prime Minister ji, first of all, it is not right to compare a cricket match to a battlefield.” He added, “Second, if you have made the comparison anyway, then you need to learn from the Indian team — that when you are close to victory, good captains do not ceasefire on the orders of any third umpire,” a pointed remark likely aimed at Modi’s diplomatic handling of conflicts.

The high-octane India-Pakistan matches were played under heightened emotions, particularly after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The tense atmosphere extended onto the pitch, with Indian players reportedly refusing to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts throughout the tournament.

After their final victory, the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, also declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi had previously complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what he called unsportsmanlike conduct by Team India and had shared controversial social media posts claiming Pakistan’s military superiority after Operation Sindoor—claims that remain unverified.

While Congress questioned the tone of Modi’s comparison, Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav welcomed the Prime Minister’s message, saying it boosted the morale of the players. “It felt like he took the strike and scored runs. When the nation’s leader is batting from the front, the players feel confident,” he said.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised Team India and coach Gautam Gambhir, calling the team selection and performance “spot on.”