The Asia Cup 2025 concluded with India defeating Pakistan in the final, but the trophy controversy that ensued gained widespread attention. Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers expressed his dissatisfaction, advising both teams to keep politics out of the game.
Suryakumar Yadav’s squad won the title undefeated. However, the post-match scenes became tumultuous when the team refused to take the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, citing political sensitivities sparked by the Pahalgam terror attack. In response, Naqvi fled the stadium with the trophy and medals, leaving India to celebrate without any silverware.
The dispute had been building throughout the event. Indian players avoided handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts, while Pakistani cricketers responded with aggressive gestures. The antagonism in the final, as shown during the post-match ceremony, led to a deadlock between the BCCI and the PCB.
AB De Villiers voiced disappointment at politics dominating the sport’s biggest platform.
“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,” he said on YouTube.
The South African legend added that such incidents place players in a very tough position, where they are forced to carry the weight of political disputes instead of celebrating their achievements. He later praised the team for their achievement.
“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. 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,” added de Villiers.
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