'Politics should stay aside': AB de Villiers on India-Pakistan Asia Cup trophy row

AB de Villiers gives his take on Asia Cup trophy row.

Legendary South African player AB de Villiers has offered his thoughts on the stressful moments that transpired during the final trophy presentation for the Asia Cup 2025.

On his weekly #360 YouTube program, De Villiers highlighted his anger with India's awkward ceremony and their unwillingness to take the trophy from the president of the Asia Cricket Council.

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“There seemed to be some unhappiness 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,” De Villiers said.

He acknowledged that it was "quite awkward" at the time and said that players shouldn't ever be placed in such challenging situations.

Beyond the field of play, India and Pakistan had been visibly at odds during the Asia Cup. Political overtones frequently overshadowed cricket because of the lack of handshakes, chilly encounters, and a standoff over medals and silverware. De Villiers emphasized that these diversions undermine the core of the game and divert attention from the performances of the players.

De Villiers cautioned against allowing such political posturing to permeate sporting events. “It was quite sad to see, but hopefully they sort things out in the future. It does put the sport and cricketers in a very tough position, and that’s what I hate to see,” he remarked, expressing his want for politics and sport to be kept more clearly apart.

De Villiers was full of admiration for India's supremacy in the competition, even as he criticized the off-field problems. “Let us focus on what’s most important—the cricket itself. India are looking really, really strong. Building up to that T20 World Cup, they’ve got a lot of talent and they play the big moments well,” he said.

De Villiers' praise is significant for a player whose reputation was formed on performing well under pressure. His opinion that India has become adept in clutch moments contributes to the team's increasing self-assurance as they get ready for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka the following year.