South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has criticized India’s decision to refuse the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, calling it an example of politics interfering with sport. Speaking on his “AB de Villiers 360” YouTube channel, he expressed disappointment over the awkward and politically charged trophy presentation after India’s victory.
De Villiers stated, “Team India sort of weren’t happy with who was handing out the trophy. I don’t feel that belongs in sports. Politics should stay aside. Sport is one thing, and it should be celebrated for what it is.” He added that the situation put players in a difficult position and was a sad spectacle for the sport.
The Asia Cup was marked by tension between the Indian and Pakistani teams, with no handshakes exchanged in their three meetings. The controversy extended to the medal and trophy ceremony, where visible hostility added to the charged atmosphere.
India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, urged his fellow countrymen to “move on” from the incident, saying that while national pride was important, it should not hinder sportsmanship. Speaking on India Today, Dev emphasized, “Let politicians do their job, let the government handle those matters.”
