'Operation Sindoor Cup' in Kanpur to hold Army XI vs Parliament XI: Dates, players, captains - all you need to know

NEW DELHI: The trophy for the ‘Operation Sindoor Cup’, a symbolic cricket match between Army XI and Parliament XI, was unveiled on Saturday in Kanpur. The match is scheduled to be played on June 29 at the historic Green Park Stadium to honour the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces’ targeted offensive against Pakistan-backed terror groups.The match aims to celebrate national unity and the Armed Forces' resolve following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, led to a series of precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, killing over 100 operatives from outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.The specially designed trophy features a cricket bat, a BrahMos missile, and a Rafale fighter jet — each symbolising the spirit of sport, strategy, and national strength.Brigadier Samrul Hassan will lead the Army XI, which will include army officers, police personnel, and members of the district administration. Parliament XI, composed of Members of Parliament and state legislators, will be captained by MP Manoj Tiwari.Kanpur BJP MP Ramesh Awasthi told ANI, “At Kanpur's historic Green Park, the Operation Sindoor Cup will be held. All preparations have been made and the trophy has been unveiled, which features a BrahMos missile, Rafale and a cricket bat.

We want to congratulate the Armed Forces for their efforts and give the world a message that when it comes to unity and integrity of this country, everyone will be together and a befitting reply will be given.

”Kanpur Police Commissioner Akhil Kumar also urged public participation, saying, “This match is for a noble cause. Our army showed its courage, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and brought Pakistan to its knees. We urge people to join this celebration through this match. There are proper arrangements being made.”The event serves not only as a tribute to the military operation but also as a public celebration of India’s united front against terrorism.