A video of Indian Captain Harmanpreet Kaur celebrating her team’s victory has stirred controversy on social media. The Indian Captain was seen holding a trophy in one hand and a tea cup in the other, a gesture that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.
In the clip, Kaur took a sip from the cup before clinking it with the trophy — a move widely interpreted as a symbolic jab at Pakistan. However, this attempt at humor backfired, as many social media users reminded her of the real story behind the “tea cup” reference.
The phrase originates from a 2019 incident when Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by the Pakistan Army after his jet crashed. During his brief detention, Abhinandan’s calm remark, “The tea is fantastic,” became viral worldwide, sparking endless memes and debates online.
Pakistani users quickly pointed out the irony in Kaur’s gesture, saying the Indian Captain had unknowingly mocked her own soldier. “The man who said ‘tea was fantastic’ was Indian — how is that an insult to Pakistan?” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter).
The 2019 event remains one of the most talked-about moments in India-Pakistan relations. In footage released by Pakistan, Abhinandan introduced himself as “Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman,” refusing to share more details while praising the Pakistan Army for their professionalism and hospitality.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan later announced Abhinandan’s release in a gesture of peace, and he was returned to India via the Wagah border.
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The Indian Captain’s video has since reignited debates about nationalism and sportsmanship, with many urging athletes to focus on their achievements rather than political symbolism.
