Legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers has strongly criticized India for allowing politics to influence the Asia Cup. Speaking on his personal video program shared on social media, the former captain expressed disappointment over the controversy surrounding the tournament’s closing ceremony.
De Villiers stressed that politics and cricket should remain separate, insisting that the sport should be celebrated for what it truly represents: unity, competition, and joy.
“Cricket and Politics Should Never Mix”
AB de Villiers did not hold back when discussing the issue. He stated that India appeared unhappy with the situation regarding the trophy presentation, but in his view, such matters had no place in the sporting arena.
“I don’t think it had anything to do with the game. Politics should not interfere in cricket,” De Villiers said.
He added that cricket is meant to be enjoyed as a game, and the celebrations should reflect that spirit rather than political tensions.
Disappointment Over Closing Ceremony
Reflecting on the Asia Cup’s final moments, De Villiers admitted that what unfolded during the closing ceremony left him deeply saddened.
- He described the atmosphere as “disappointing and unnecessary.”
- He expressed hope that the issues would be resolved quickly to prevent further damage to the sport.
- He emphasized that the current situation placed unnecessary pressure on both the game and the players.
“It Left a Bitter Feeling”
The South African star made it clear that he disliked what he saw. According to De Villiers, cricket should be about sportsmanship, celebration, and bringing people together, but the controversy overshadowed all of that.
“It left a bitter feeling in the end. I hate seeing politics drag players and the game into difficult situations,” he added.
Why De Villiers’ Words Matter
AB de Villiers is one of the most respected voices in world cricket. His criticism of India carries weight not only because of his stature as a former captain but also due to his reputation as a player who has always valued the spirit of the game. His comments echo the frustration of many fans who want cricket to remain free of political interference.