Politics should stay aside: AB de Villiers reacts to India-Pakistan Asia Cup trophy row

Former South African batter AB de Villiers said there is no place for politics in sports and he is hopeful that scenes will be different when India next faces Pakistan at the top level. India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final by five wickets at Dubai on Sunday but Suryakumar Yadav’s team refused to take the trophy from ACC and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Indian players were not given their winning medals and the trophy and Suryakumar Yadav and co. celebrated in their own style.

After beating Pakistan in the group stage match of the Asia Cup, Indian players had also refused to shake hands with Pakistan players. SKY then dedicated the win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which happened in May.

AB urged both nations to focus on cricket and play the game in the right spirit, despite all the political differences.

“Team India sort of were not 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,” De Villiers said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“Quite sad to see that, but hopefully they will sort things out in the future. It does put the sport, the players, the sportsmen, the cricketers in a very tough position and that is what I hate to see,” De Villiers said.

AB said India is looking strong ahead of the next T20 World Cup in 2026.

“Let us focus on what is most important (the cricket itself). India are looking really, really strong. Building up to that big T20 World Cup. Remember, it isn’t too far away. And they look like they have got a lot of talent and they play the big moments well,” De Villiers added.

After the Asia Cup success, India is taking on the West Indies in the opening Test at Ahmedabad.