AB de Villiers reacted to India’s stand of not accepting the Asia Cup 2025 trophy

AB de Villiers stated that politics should be kept out of sports and responded to the chaotic trophy presentation following India’s victory in the 2025 Asia Cup.

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers recently shared his take on India’s stand of refusing to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from ACC Chief and Pakistan minister Mohsin Naqvi. He expressed his views on the chaotic scenes that followed India’s Asia Cup 2025 win.

AB de Villiers reacts to India not accepting the Asia Cup 2025 trophy.

The South African legend highlighted a clean separation between sports and geopolitics. While speaking on his weekly #360 on YouTube, he addressed India’s refusal to accept the trophy from the Asia Cricket Council President and the awkward ceremony that ensued. His interpretation of the incident, a blend of blunt and protective of the players, aims to highlight the distinction between cricket and politics.

What did AB de Villiers say on the matter?

ABD didn’t mince words and said, “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. 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.” He emphasised that off-field hostilities shouldn’t affect the dynamics on the field or anything surrounding it. By refusing to conflate the ceremony with diplomacy, ABD framed the episode as an avoidable distraction that shifted the spotlight from the champions and their on-field brilliance.

ABD also praised India for their performance. He said, “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.”