Sri Lanka’s hosting of the high-stakes T20 World Cup India-Pakistan encounter has Delhi’s political corridors buzzing. The captains’ no-handshake moment post-match became a flashpoint, drawing sharp responses. Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta proclaimed India’s triumph inevitable, backed by 140 crore citizens. ‘Pakistan loses everywhere—defense, development—and now its people revolt too,’ he said, advising Pakistani leaders to rethink priorities.
Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT) unleashed fury over the inconsistency: vowing no terror negotiations yet playing cricket? She invoked Pahalgam, Red Fort assaults, and Operation Sindoor, decrying the ‘drama’ before matches while victims’ families grieve. ‘Play fully, grab benefits, but no brotherhood?’ she questioned.
Tej Pratap Yadav bolstered morale, assuring victory on this sacred Shivratri, urging faith alongside fight. Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Majhi offered a conciliatory note: sports demand enmity-free play. ‘Banish acrimony; foster harmony and non-violence for true sportsmanship,’ she appealed.
Beyond the scoreboard, this fixture symbolizes deeper tensions. Leaders’ diverse takes—from hawkish certainty to pacifist pleas—capture India’s complex national pulse, with eyes glued to every boundary and wicket.