India’s emphatic five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday set off celebrations across the nation, with political leaders and public figures flooding social media with praise. The high-stakes match, played in Dubai on 28 September, saw India lift their ninth Asia Cup title after chasing down Pakistan’s modest total of 146 with two balls to spare.

While the win united political rivals in admiration, it also carried a touch of drama as the Indian team reportedly declined to accept the winner’s trophy from Pakistan minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, adding a diplomatic edge in sports.

‘Operation Tilak’

The phrase Operation Tilak quickly became the defining motif of the victory. Inspired by the match-winning innings of young bats

See Full Page