AB de Villiers Criticises India For Politics In Asia Cup Controversy

The Asia Cup trophy drama isn’t dying because it didn’t start with Mohsin Naqvi. It started with India. After beating Pakistan, the Indian team didn’t step up to take the trophy during the ceremony. That silence played out on live cameras and looked like a snub to the ACC chief.

Mohsin Naqvi reacted straight away. Instead of placing the trophy out or handing it over, he kept it with him. His message was simple: if the Indian captain wants it, come and take it directly. What should’ve been a celebration turned into a stare-off, and that one moment has now overshadowed the entire win.

That’s where AB de Villiers stepped in. The South African legend didn’t mince his words. Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers called out the decision bluntly.

“Team India 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. His words cut deep, reflecting the mood of many ex-players who believe the game’s spirit was lost in translation.

To be fair, the political issues between these two countries have disturbed cricket fans, who love to watch these rivals on the cricket ground. Yet, as de Villiers pointed out, it was the players who bore the awkwardness. “It does put the cricketers in a very tough position, and that’s what I hate to see. Quite awkward at the end,” he added.

The row overshadowed what was otherwise a textbook Indian campaign. Their batting order clicked under pressure, their bowlers nailed the big spells, and their fielding set the tone in crunch moments. When the scoreboard flashed victory, the crowd roared. But the silence that followed the no-trophy handover told the other story.

Even Indian ex-cricketers, usually aligned with the national team’s stance, have voiced unease. A few have openly said cricket should not carry the baggage of politics. Fans on social media echoed the same. 

Still, de Villiers, never one to just dwell on negatives, gave India credit where it mattered. “Let’s focus on the cricket. The Indian team is looking really strong heading into the T20 World Cup next year. They’ve got talent, and they play the big moments well. Fantastic to watch,” he remarked.

That’s the irony here. The game was rich in drama, India’s unbeaten run had its share of standout performances, but the post-match controversy increased tension. That one moment flipped everything. Instead of reliving runs and wickets, fans are debating politics and protocol.

For the ACC and its leadership, the embarrassment was hard to mask. A trophy ceremony meant to showcase unity turned into a reminder of division. 

Whether this Asia Cup season changes how cricket bodies handle high-stakes presentations in the future is something only time will tell. One thing is certain, fans want to skip the politics and just watch cricket, and that’s exactly what the boards should be focusing on.