(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
AB de Villiers Criticizes India’s Refusal to Accept Asia Cup Trophy from Mohsin Naqvi
By Sports Desk | October 2, 2025
South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has expressed disappointment over India’s refusal to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, calling the episode “awkward” and “sad to see.”
Speaking on his YouTube channel AB de Villiers 360, the former Proteas star said that politics should never interfere with sports.
“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 should be celebrated for what it is,” he remarked.
De Villiers added that the situation was “quite awkward” and placed players in an unfair position.
Trophy Controversy
The Asia Cup 2025 final ended in controversy after India declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi. Instead, the presentation ceremony turned chaotic, drawing criticism from fans and experts alike.
The tournament itself had already seen tensions rise between India and Pakistan, with both sides avoiding handshakes in all three encounters.
Kapil Dev Urges Players to ‘Move On’
Former Indian World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev also weighed in, urging players to focus on cricket rather than politics.
“Shaking hands is not a big thing. You didn’t shake hands; fine. You didn’t take the trophy from that man; also fine. But you can’t linger on with these things. Let politicians do their job, and players should move on,” he said while speaking on India Today.
Kapil emphasized that while it was natural for players to have strong national sentiments, such feelings should not overshadow sportsmanship and respect for the game.
