'Politics should stay aside' - AB De Villiers opines on India-Pakistan Asia Cup Trophy row

Published - 02 Oct 2025, 09:59 IST | Updated - 02 Oct 2025, 10:27 IST

The Asia Cup 2025 ended with India defeating Pakistan in the final, but the trophy controversy that followed the game drew immense eyeballs. Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has voiced his disappointment, urging both teams to keep politics away from the game.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led team clinched the title unbeaten. However, the post-match scenes turned chaotic as the team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, citing political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. In reply, Naqvi left the venue with the trophy and medals, leaving India to celebrate without silverware.

The controversy had been brewing throughout the tournament. Indian players avoided handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts, while Pakistan cricketers retaliated with provocative gestures. The hostility in the final witnessed during the post-match ceremony descended into a standoff between the BCCI and PCB. De Villiers expressed sadness at seeing politics dominate the sport’s biggest stage.

“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 said on YouTube.

Naqvi says Indian team free to collect trophy from him

The South African legend added that such incidents place players in a very tough position, where they are forced to carry the weight of political disputes instead of celebrating their achievements. He later praised the team for their achievement.

"Quite sad to see that, but hopefully they sort things out in the future. It does put the sport, the players, the sportsmen, the cricketers in a very tough position, and that’s what I hate to see. It was quite awkward there at the end. Let us focus on what’s most important (the cricket itself). India are looking really, really strong. Building up to that T20 World Cup. Remember, it’s not too far away. And they look like they’ve got a lot of talent, and they play the big moments well. So fantastic,” added de Villiers.