 "'I don't feel that belongs in sport': AB de Villiers slams India for refusing to take Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi")
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has criticised Team India after the trophy presentation drama in the Asia Cup 2025 final. India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets to lift the title in Dubai, but controversy broke out when the Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the current president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
AB de Villiers criticises India
Speaking on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers said he was disappointed to see politics entering the game as India refused to take the trophy from Naqvi. He further explained that sports should remain free from political issues. The former RCB batter said that he felt bad for the players caught in the middle of the awkward moment.
“Let’s talk quickly about that post-match ceremony as Team India sort of weren’t happy with who was handing out the trophy. I’ve got a bit of a smirk on my face cuz I don’t feel that belongs in sport. Politics should stay aside. Sport is one thing, and it should be celebrated for what it is. Quite sad to see that. But, hopefully, they will sort things out in the future,” ABD said.
“It does put the sports 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 back end. Politics should stay aside. Sport is one thing, and it should be celebrated for what it is. Quite sad to see that. But, hopefully, they will sort things out in the future,” he added.
India have still not received the Asia Cup trophy after three days since the thrilling final. Naqvi has said that the Indian team must collect the trophy from him if they want it. The BCCI, meanwhile, is planning to lodge a complaint with the ICC regarding Naqvi’s refusal to give the trophy.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, had a brilliant Asia Cup campaign, capping it off with a thrilling win against Pakistan in the final. India won their third trophy in one and a half years without losing a single game. But the no-handshake controversy and trophy presentation drama have drawn more attention than the tournament itself.
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