AB de Villiers Slams Indian Team for Refusing to Accept Asia Cup Trophy From Mohsin Naqvi
AB de Villiers criticises India for refusing Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, says politics should stay out of cricket.
The Asia Cup 2025 final may have given fans a thriller on the field, but the drama afterwards has refused to die down. India beat Pakistan by five wickets to clinch the title in Dubai, but the post-match ceremony created a storm.
Indian players refused to accept the trophy from PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, and now one of the biggest voices in cricket has entered the debate.
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, speaking on his YouTube show, said he was left disappointed by what unfolded at the presentation.
“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,” de Villiers said.
He admitted he felt awkward watching the moment, especially for the players. “It does put the cricketers in a very tough position, and that’s what I hate to see. Hopefully, they will sort things out in the future,” he added.
Three days after the final, the Indian team still has not received the trophy. Naqvi has made it clear that the players must collect it from him personally if they want it. The BCCI, on the other hand, is preparing to take the matter to the ICC.
