India‘s refusal to just accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who additionally serves as Pakistan’s Inside Minister, has sparked intense debate worldwide. After India’s five-wicket win over Pakistan within the ultimate, Naqvi reportedly took the trophy and winners’ medals to his lodge room in Dubai as a substitute of presenting them to the workforce. The incident highlighted how political tensions can overshadow sporting occasions. South African cricket legend AB de Villiers weighed in, strongly criticizing the choice.
AB de Villiers condemns politics in cricket throughout Asia Cup 2025 ultimate between India and Pakistan
On his weekly #360 YouTube program, De Villiers emphasised the necessity to maintain politics and sports activities separate, whereas additionally praising India’s T20 squad forward of subsequent 12 months’s T20 World Cup. His feedback have resonated broadly throughout social media and cricketing circles.
“Workforce India kind of weren’t pleased with who was handing out the trophy. I don’t really feel that belongs in sport. Politics ought to keep apart. Sport is one factor, and it needs to be celebrated for what it’s. Fairly unhappy to see that, however hopefully they may type issues out sooner or later. It does put the game, the gamers, the sportsmen, the cricketers in a really powerful place, and that’s what I hate to see. It was fairly awkward there on the finish,” De Villiers stated.
The previous South African captain expressed disappointment {that a} prestigious cricket event ended with politics dominating headlines. In keeping with him, gamers shouldn’t be positioned in conditions the place exterior disputes intrude with their achievements. He confused that moments like profitable a trophy needs to be celebrated for the cricketing advantage, not overshadowed by controversies. De Villiers reiterated that respecting the spirit of the sport is essential for cricket to thrive globally.
Additionally READ: Adar Poonawalla’s cryptic feedback spark contemporary Virat Kohli’s RCB acquisition rumours
De Villiers’ reward for India’s T20I setup
Whereas vital of the off-field saga, De Villiers lauded India’s on-field efficiency and preparation for future tournaments. De Villiers believes that such a proficient group of cricketers may change into a dominant power in T20 cricket, offered exterior controversies are stored at bay. His observations showcased the significance of robust workforce administration, focus, and sustaining the sanctity of sport over politics. “Let’s give attention to what’s most essential, the cricket itself. India are wanting actually, actually robust. Constructing as much as that huge T20 World Cup. Keep in mind, it’s not too far-off. They usually appear like they’ve received a whole lot of expertise, and so they play the large moments effectively. So unbelievable to look at,” De Villiers concluded.
Additionally READ: “Trophy leke bhaag gaye woh…”: Suryakumar Yadav reveals ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi’s surprising Asia Cup trophy gesture
