Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has sharply criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for comparing cricket to war after the Asia Cup 2025 final. In a bold statement, Naqvi said linking sports with war shows “despair, not victory,” and goes against the true spirit of the game. He stressed that no cricket match can erase history or change the truth of past military defeats.
Naqvi’s remarks came after India’s narrow win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. Following the match, PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Outcome is the same – India wins!” using the hashtag “#OperationSindoor,” a reference widely viewed as a nod to past military action. The post quickly went viral, drawing criticism for politicizing a sports event and igniting heated debate across both countries.
If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan’s hands. No cricket match can rewrite that truth. Dragging war into sport only exposes desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game https://t.co/lqiUATm3wX
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 29, 2025
Reacting strongly, Naqvi said, “War is a measure of your pride, and history has preserved your humiliating defeat at the hands of Pakistan.” He accused Modi of using sports to stoke nationalism and distract from reality. The PCB chief emphasized that true sportsmanship means respecting opponents and keeping politics away from the field. His response resonated with many fans and commentators who echoed the call for keeping cricket and conflict separate.
Read more: Asia Cup Final Turns Poor as India Refuses Trophy from Naqvi
The final also ended in controversy when the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy. Reports confirmed that the BCCI had officially notified the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of their decision. As a result, the trophy was removed from the stage, and India’s players skipped the medal ceremony. However, Naqvi continued the presentation, handing the runner-up cheque to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha.
Read more: Asia Cup 2025 Ends Amid Trophy Controversy Between India and Pakistan
Despite the tension, the event concluded with fireworks and celebrations, though India’s symbolic absence from the podium left a mark. Indian players later returned for photos—without medals or the trophy. The moment highlighted how a cricket match turned into a political flashpoint, sparking larger questions about the role of nationalism in sports and the limits of competitive rivalry.