With each passing day, Team India seems to be losing credibility over its conduct at the 2025 Asia Cup, and now South Africa’s AB de Villiers has become the latest cricketing personality to question their actions.
The former South Africa captain has openly criticised India for allowing politics to overshadow cricket during the Asia Cup trophy presentation, calling the incident “awkward” and unfair to the players. Reflecting on the controversy, de Villiers said Team India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi damaged the spirit of the game.
“Team India sort of weren’t happy with who was handing out the trophy. I don’t feel that belongs in sport,” AB de Villiers said. “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.”
The 41-year-old batting legend, regarded as one of the finest of his generation, admitted he was “hurt” by how the final ceremony played out.
“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,” he added.
The already contentious 2025 Asia Cup ended in controversy after India defeated Pakistan in the final but chose not to accept the trophy directly from Naqvi, leaving the silverware at the ACC’s disposal instead of receiving it on stage.
De Villiers warned that such incidents harm cricket’s image and distract from the athletes’ efforts. “It was disappointing to see how the closing ceremony went. Fans and players deserve better,” he said.
The Asia Cup had already been clouded by diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours, with disputes over venues, scheduling, and player interactions. The trophy saga was the latest flashpoint, drawing international criticism and exposing the widening rift within the ACC. Still, de Villiers urged cricket to rise above politics.
As the row from the Asia Cup rages on, sane voices like AB de Villiers’ offer a route toward resolution. While tensions between Pakistan and India are unlikely to subside anytime soon, the least the two countries can do is refrain from turning cricket into an instrument of proxy warfare.
