‘Politics has no place in sport’: AB De Villiers reacts to India-Pakistan Trophy dispute

Former great of South African cricket AB de Villiers has expressed his regret over the turmoil at the conclusion of India's Asia Cup 2025 win, saying that “politics should never come before cricket.” In his weekly #360 YouTube show, de Villiers discussed the awkward trophy presentation where India would not accept the Asia Cup from the Asian Cricket Council president, who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The India vs. Pakistan tournament already had some controversy, as it was the first time the two rivals had met since the Pahalgam terror attacks. On the field, things were tense as Indian players refused to shake hands and Pakistan cricketers verbally sledged and brought up political contexts. After the match the trophy presentation made it even worse. India refused to accept the trophy, resulting in a weird situation where the team celebrated victory without the trophy, which Naqvi has still possesses days later.

AB de Villiers wants cricket to be separated from politics and also gave a nod to India’s showing

De Villiers – an all-time great – was concerned about how off the field disputes affect players. "Team India sort of weren't happy with who was handing out the trophy. As far as I'm concerned, that doesn't belong in sport. Politics should be aside. Sport is sport, and sport should be celebrating for what it is. It was quite sad to witness, but I'm sure they will get through that at some point. But it does place the sport, the players, the sportsmen, the cricketers in a very tough position, which is what I hate to see. It was quite awkward there at the end." 

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But, De Villiers was positive about India's performance. "So, let's get back to what's the most important thing, the cricket itself. India is looking really, really strong. Building up to that big T20 World Cup - don't forget, it's not too far away. And they look like they have a lot of talent, and they have good in the big moments and so fantastic," he continued.

For ABD, the event served as an important reminder of the perils of blending politics with sport - as doing so can detract from players’ accomplishments and taint the celebrations. The message reinforces the idea that cricket should be a pure contest of skill, talent, and sportsmanship, rather than catapulted into political arguments.