AB de Villiers emphasized keeping politics out of sports, responding to the chaotic trophy presentation after India’s Asia Cup win.
AB de Villiers Calls for Separation of Sports and Politics After Asia Cup Chaos
AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on the chaotic aftermath of India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory, urging a clear separation between sports and geopolitics. Speaking on his weekly #360 YouTube segment, the South African legend addressed India’s refusal to accept the trophy from the Asia Cricket Council President and the awkward ceremony that followed.
Throughout the tournament, tensions were evident between Indian and Pakistani players—no handshakes, on-field confrontations, and an ongoing standoff over medals and the trophy. De Villiers’ candid remarks emphasized protecting players and refocusing attention on cricket, stressing that the sport itself should not be overshadowed by politics.
ABD’s take on the trophy-night awkwardness
AB de Villiers addressed the tense trophy presentation following India’s Asia Cup 2025 win, emphasizing that sports and politics should remain separate. “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 for 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,” ABD said.
De Villiers’ point was clear: off-field hostilities should not interfere with the game or overshadow the players’ achievements. By refusing to mix ceremony with diplomacy, he framed the incident as an avoidable distraction that shifted focus away from India’s on-field brilliance.
ABD praising India
Even as he criticized the spectacle around the trophy presentation, AB de Villiers lauded India’s on-field performance. “Let us focus on what’s most important (the cricket itself). India are looking really, really strong. Building up to that T20 World Cup. Remember, it’s not too far away. And they look like they’ve got a lot of talent, and they play the big moments well. So fantastic,” he said.
For a player of ABD’s stature, his analysis carries weight. The legend recognizes the significance of big moments and performing under pressure. His acknowledgment that India is excelling in crucial situations ahead of a marquee tournament is both heartening and indicative of their growing strength.
