Its been almost a week now that the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 concluded with India defending their title and lifting the record ninth title. The Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India defeated Pakistan in the summit clash, handing them five-wicket drubbing at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. While it was India’s third win over Pakistan in the continental tournament, like the previous two matches, the final too was marred with controversies.
However, it all began at the toss when the two captains snubbed handshakes, the post-match presentation ceremony too was surrounded by a lot of talks. While the Men in Green took the field almost an hour late for the post-match ceremony, the Indian team refused to collect the trophy from the Asian Cricket
Council (ACC) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.
Politics should stay aside: AB de Villiers bashes India for Asia Cup 2025 trophy antics
However, the gesture from the Indian team came seeing that Naqvi also holds a position in the Pakistan ministry, the reigning champions were eventually denied the trophy as the ACC Chairman reportedly walked away with it. Recently former South Africa cricketer and one of the legends, AB de Villiers while speaking on his YouTube channel, blasted at Team India for the trophy antics.
“Team India sort of 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 fo what it is. Quite sad to see that, but hopefully they sort things out in the future. It does put the sport, the players, the sportsmen, the cricketers in a very tough position, and that’s what I hate to see. It was quite awkward there at the end,” he said.
While he criticized the controversy which took over the Asia Cup 2025, de Villiers heaped praise on the T20 world champions. “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. So fantastic,” he added.
