The 2025 Asia Cup, held in the aftermath of heightened political tensions, has sparked debate about the role of politics in sports, particularly between India and Pakistan. The final match, which saw India defeat Pakistan, was marred by controversy, including the Indian team's refusal to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan's Interior Minister. This decision, along with other instances of tension, has drawn criticism from former cricketers who advocate for separating politics from sports.
Following the Asia Cup drama, Syed Kirmani, a 1983 World Cup winner, strongly advised the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, to keep politics out of sports. Kirmani expressed his disappointment with the events, stating that the Asia Cup "did not paint a pretty picture". He lamented the lack of "gentleman-ness" in the game and criticized the "rude, arrogant gestures on the field". Kirmani emphasized that politics should be left behind and not be related to the sport. He recalled a time when cricketers from both countries shared wonderful camaraderie.
Kapil Dev, another 1983 World Cup-winning captain, echoed similar sentiments, urging players to move on from the controversies and allow politicians to handle political matters. He acknowledged that players might have feelings for their country but stressed that such emotions should not overshadow sportsmanship. Dev stated that not shaking hands or refusing to accept the trophy was a sufficient expression of unhappiness, but players should not dwell on these issues. He underscored that the team's job was to play well and make an impact, which they did by winning the Asia Cup.
The Asia Cup 2025 witnessed several instances of heightened tension between the Indian and Pakistani teams. The tournament began with no handshakes between players after the group stage match. Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces, expressing solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. During the second match, Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan's celebration, which was perceived as a reference to the military skirmish between the two countries, drew criticism. In response, Indian players also made gestures, and the final concluded without the traditional trophy presentation.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly directed the Indian team not to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The Indian team's refusal led to unusual scenes, with players resorting to emojis and memes on social media in the absence of the trophy. The ACC has been asked to return the trophy after Naqvi took it back to his hotel.
The incidents during the Asia Cup 2025 have reignited the discussion about the intersection of sports and politics. While some argue that sports should be free from political influence, others believe that athletes have the right to express their opinions and show solidarity with causes they support. The views of Kirmani and Dev highlight the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and camaraderie, even in the face of political tensions. They suggest that players should focus on their game and leave political matters to the concerned authorities.
