Is Cricket the Answer to Terrorism? AAP and Congress Criticize PM Modi’s Op Sindoor Comparison After Asia Cup Victory
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi's comparison of India's Asia Cup win to Operation Sindoor has sparked controversy. Opposition parties, particularly AAP and Congress, question the ethics of cricketing ties with Pakistan amidst ongoing tensions, highlighting the moral implications of such matches in light of national security and recent terror attacks.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi faced criticism for his social media comparison.
- AAP and Congress raised ethical concerns regarding cricketing ties with Pakistan.
- The match occurred amid national mourning for terror attack victims.
- Critics argue that cricket should not overshadow national security issues.
- India triumphed over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.
New Delhi, Sep 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post on social media celebrating India’s victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, where he likened the win to Operation Sindoor, a military initiative against terrorism, has faced intense backlash from opposition parties, notably the AAP and Congress. They raised ethical concerns about playing a cricket match with Pakistan amidst ongoing tensions.
AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar responded strongly to the PM’s celebratory post, asserting that the match should not have occurred in light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 innocent lives.
“There was absolutely no reason to hold this match. The sentiments of the families of the victims should have been honored. What have we gained from this match? How did four terrorists traverse 250 km across our borders armed with advanced weaponry?” she questioned.
“Did we obtain any insight into how, during Operation Sindoor, the IMF extended a $2.4 billion loan to Pakistan, which may be utilized to support terrorism? Does this match clarify why Pakistan is a vice-chair of the UN's counter-terrorism committee? These are critical matters of diplomacy and national security that deserve serious attention. Our Prime Minister should refrain from trivializing these issues with such light-hearted tweets,” Kakkar added.
In his post on X, Prime Minister Modi had lauded Team India with the comment: “#OperationSindoor on the games field. The outcome is the same – India triumphs! Congratulations to our cricketers.”
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohammed also criticized the match, labeling it a disgraceful choice during a period of national mourning and military operations.
“I refrained from watching the Asia Cup because playing this match was inappropriate. If Prime Minister Modi states that Operation Sindoor is ongoing, how can we engage in cricket with Pakistan? This match was organized for financial gain, benefiting Jay Shah and Anurag Thakur’s brother. This profit is built on the sacrifices of our soldiers. We reject this money, though perhaps the Prime Minister does not,” she alleged.
“When 26 of our citizens lost their lives, the government still opted to participate in cricket with Pakistan. That is intolerable. I condemn this strongly,” she expressed.
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Tikaram Jully, congratulated the Indian team but echoed similar concerns regarding the ethics of the match.
“I want to extend my congratulations to Team India for their victory, but we should not be playing cricket with a country that has shed our blood. There are numerous teams worldwide to compete against, not Pakistan,” he remarked.
India clinched the Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan by five wickets in an exhilarating final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The match featured a remarkable bowling resurgence led by Kuldeep Yadav, who took four wickets, and an unbeaten 69-run performance by Tilak Varma, who anchored India’s successful chase of 147 runs.
Point of View
I believe that while celebrating sports is essential for national unity, it must not overshadow the pressing issues of national security and ethical considerations. Cricketing ties with nations that pose threats to our security should be examined critically. It is crucial for our leaders to engage in thoughtful dialogue rather than trivializing serious matters.
NationPress
29/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the criticism of PM Modi's post?
PM Modi's comparison of India's Asia Cup victory to Operation Sindoor, a military operation against terrorism, drew backlash for being insensitive amidst ongoing national security concerns.
Who criticized the decision to play the match?
Opposition parties, particularly AAP and Congress, expressed strong disapproval, arguing that playing cricket with Pakistan is unethical given the recent terror attacks.
What were the views of AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar?
Kakkar stated that the match should not have occurred, emphasizing the need to respect the emotions of terror attack victims' families.
How did the Congress party respond?
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohammed condemned the match as shameful, asserting it was played for financial motives rather than national interests.
What was the outcome of the Asia Cup match?
India won the Asia Cup by defeating Pakistan by five wickets, with notable performances from Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma.
