Operation Tilak: India Crushes Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Final
On September 28, at the Dubai International Stadium, the Indian cricket team defeated Pakistan to win the Asia Cup 2025 in a nail-biting final. Termed as 'Operation Tilak', this victory followed the Indian Army's 'Operation Sindoor' after the Pahalgam terror attack, leaving Pakistan stunned on multiple fronts.
India clinched victory by 5 wickets, chasing down Pakistan’s 146-run target in 19.4 overs. Kuldeep Yadav delivered a sensational performance, taking 4 wickets including a triple strike in one over, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 69 to guide India to glory.
India's Commanding Streak
This was India’s third consecutive win over Pakistan in the tournament and the ninth Asia Cup title overall (seven in ODI format, two in T20 format). Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India’s dominance in Asian cricket was once again reaffirmed.
Pivotal Moments
- Pakistan's Collapse: From 113/1 in 12.4 overs, Pakistan crumbled to 146 all out in 19.1 overs.
- Kuldeep Yadav: Took 4 wickets, leading the bowling attack with 17 wickets in the tournament.
- Tilak Varma: Scored a match-winning 69*, second-highest scorer of the tournament for India with 213 runs.
Trophy Controversy: India Refuses to Accept from Mohsin Naqvi
Post-victory, the Indian team refused to accept the winner's trophy from Pakistan's Home Minister and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, leading to a delay of over an hour in the presentation ceremony.
Naqvi stood on the stage with Emirates Cricket Board officials for nearly 30 minutes while both teams stood separately on the field. Eventually, the trophy was taken off the field, and the announcer declared the ceremony closed without India receiving it.
Later, the Indian team celebrated without the trophy—an unprecedented act in cricket history. BCCI had clearly instructed the team not to accept any awards from Pakistani officials, especially Naqvi, due to his controversial remarks and actions post the Pahalgam attack.
Political and Symbolic Undercurrents
Mohsin Naqvi had previously posted a video referencing Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration after a fake claim about six Indian jets being downed in the so-called 'Operation Sindoor'. Additionally, he demanded ICC to ban Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for showing solidarity with the Pahalgam terror attack victims.
Even at the toss, the teams avoided shared interactions and separate presenters were brought in for the captains. The entire situation reflected the heightened diplomatic and sporting tensions between the two nations.
This match will go down not just as a cricketing contest but as a symbolic battle of pride, politics, and performance. Team India gave millions a night to remember — a victory not just on the field but off it as well.