‘Politics should stay aside’: AB de Villiers breaks silence on India-Naqvi trophy row at Asia Cup final

New Delhi: The dramatic end to the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan has continued to spark debate not because of what happened on the field but because of what followed after. Despite India's thrilling five-wicket win, the night ended with drama when Suryakumar Yadav's men refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi. What should have been a celebration of cricket turned into a political flashpoint.

As opinions continue to float, now, South African legend AB de Villiers has shared his thoughts on the controversy, calling for a clear separation between politics and sport. Speaking on his YouTube show 360 with AB de Villiers, the former Proteas captain said he was "sad to see” the scenes that unfolded in Dubai.

De Villiers, who has played some of his most memorable cricketing years in India through the IPL said players should not be caught between political ceasefire. "Team India sort of weren’t happy with who was handing out the trophy. I don’t feel that belongs in sport. Politics should stay aside. Sport is one thing, and it should be celebrated for what it is,” he said.

He said that the situation put the players in an uncomfortable position. He said, "It was quite awkward there at the end. Hopefully, they sort things out in the future because I hate seeing cricketers stuck in something they can’t control."

The Asia Cup final had already been charged with tension due to the political backdrop. While India dominated Pakistan throughout the tournament, winning all three encounters, the focus shifted from cricket to the chaotic post-match scenes. Naqvi reportedly blocked efforts by the ACC to appoint a neutral presenter, insisting on handing over the trophy himself that was rejected by India.

Throughout the Asia Cup, the relationship between Indian and Pakistani players remained frosty. There were no handshakes, verbal exchanges on the field and the moments that underscored the larger political rift between the two nations. For De Villiers, this is exactly what sport should avoid.

"It’s quite sad when off-field politics start overshadowing the incredible performances on the field,” he said. "These players work hard for years for such moments, and when the spotlight shifts away from them, it’s disappointing.”

Despite the controversy, De Villiers took a moment to applaud India’s cricket. "Let’s focus on what’s most important - the cricket itself. India are looking really strong building up to the next T20 World Cup. They have so much talent and know how to deliver in big moments,” he said.

Coming from one of the most respected voices in modern cricket, ABD’s words carry weight. His message was simple but powerful to keep politics out of sport, and let the game and its players take centre stage, just as India’s champions deserved to that night in Dubai.