Silent Tribute, Loud Victory: India Dominates Pakistan Clash
Dubai: India delivered a commanding performance today to win the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan by 7 wickets, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, amid simmering political tensions surrounding the match. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, reflecting on the poignant occasion, dedicated the victory to the Indian armed forces and the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attacks. He said, “This win is not just for cricket fans but for every soldier protecting our borders. We play with heavy hearts from recent events, and today’s victory is for those who have sacrificed so much.”
Batting second after Pakistan was restricted to a modest 127 for 9 in 20 overs, India’s chase was driven by aggressive intent and calm execution. Among the standout performances were Suryakumar Yadav’s 47* off 37 balls and Shivam Dube’s finishing flourish, guiding India to the target in just 15.5 overs with 7 wickets in hand. The Indian bowling unit was clinical, led by Kuldeep Yadav’s 3/18 and Axar Patel’s 2/18, who strangled Pakistan’s middle-order and left them reeling at 90/7. Despite a late cameo from Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, the total remained insufficient.
The clash was played in the shadow of intense pre-match controversy. Following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were brutally killed by militants linked to Pakistan, political parties in India strongly opposed the fixture. Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray vehemently described the match as “an insult to national sentiment,” citing the fresh wounds of families impacted by the attack. “Blood and cricket cannot flow together,” he proclaimed during widespread protests, accusing the government and cricket authorities of prioritising profits over patriotism.
The opposition Congress party echoed similar sentiments, labelling the decision to play as insensitive and hypocritical, pointing to what they called inconsistent government policy regarding sporting ties with Pakistan. The Aam Aadmi Party also staged protests and urged fans to boycott the broadcast, their leaders vocally accusing the government of dishonouring terror victims by continuing sports relations with Pakistan. The parties extensively cited heartfelt statements from families of the Pahalgam victims, whose grief resonated deeply with the public and amplified boycott calls.
In response, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and government officials maintained a firm stance on participation. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the decision to play was not a political endorsement but an obligation under international sports protocols. They emphasised that while bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan remain banned, India cannot unilaterally withdraw from multilateral tournaments like the Asia Cup without risking sanctions, suspension from global events, and damage to India’s ambition to host major international sports competitions. The government underscored the necessity to separate politics from sports in such multinational settings, citing Olympic Charter regulations.
The atmosphere at Dubai echoed these tensions: while the stadium buzzed with cricketing excitement, there was a palpable undertone of solemnity and restraint. Protests outside the venue and across India contrasted sharply with the on-field spectacle. The post-match scene also reflected political sensitivities, with a notably subdued exchange of pleasantries between teams.
Ultimately, today’s resounding Indian victory was a moment of triumph amid complexity — a performance dedicated not only to cricketing excellence but also to the memories of those who suffered. The match, layered in both sporting spectacle and deep socio-political significance, marked yet another chapter in the storied and sometimes strained India-Pakistan cricket rivalry.
– global bihari bureau
