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“Politics should stay aside”: AB de Villiers criticises India over bold Asia Cup Trophy move

Poulomi Chakraborty

ABD on India's Asia Cup move (Source: @ABdeVilliers17/x.com, @IbrarShane/x.com) ABD on India's Asia Cup move (Source: @ABdeVilliers17/x.com, @IbrarShane/x.com)

After having an outstanding outing on the big stage of the Asia Cup 2025, Team India claimed the trophy for the ninth time. Even after claiming the title, the Men in Blue refused to take the trophy from the ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and that bold move sparked controversy.

As the move sparked different opinions, former South African legend AB de Villiers joined in the conversation. He slammed India, criticizing the decision to blend cricket with politics.

AB de Villiers slams India over controversial move

After the Operation Sindoor, the international relationship between India and Pakistan has been strained further, and their face-offs on the big stage of the Asia Cup 2025 are a living example of that. After the handshake saga in the group stage clash, the arch-rivals met twice in the tournament, and their cold war grabbed the attention. But the drama picked up when India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, Team India refused to take the trophy from ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi.

The bold move from Suryakumar Yadav and Co. received mixed reactions. Joining the debate, former South African star AB de Villiers shared his honest take on this. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he criticized Team India’s move to refuse the trophy.

“Team India sort of weren't happy with who was handing out the trophy. 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. 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 said.

ABD hails India’s dominant run in Asia Cup 2025

Continuing the spectacular form in the shortest format, Team India claimed the trophy with an unbeaten run. Clearing the group stage and Super Four stage with dominance, Team India beat Pakistan in the final clash by five wickets and claimed the trophy. As the world remained amazed by the dominating display, AB de Villiers praised India’s commanding and promising performance.

“Let's focus on what's most important (the cricket itself). India are looking really, really strong. Building up to that big 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," he added.

Wrapping up the marquee event with a dominant run, Team India is all set to face Australia in a T20 series. Starting later this month, Team India is set for another successful outing in the shortest format.