‘I don't like this India-Pakistan beef': West Indies' IPL star adds fuel to IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 trophy row

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder added fresh fire to the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 controversy, stating “it's too much”. Any Indo-Pak rivalry in sport comes up with emotion and history. But what happened in Dubai last year went beyond 22 yards, with the off-field drama grabbing all the spotlight than India's dominance at the continental showpiece.

It all started with India's no-handshake policy with their Pakistani counterparts in the Asia Cup, which came as a protest against the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, that killed 26 innocent lives and the border tensions that followed.

To add more to that, India's refusal to receive the Asia Cup Trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi added a fresh layer to the controversy. Besides being the ACC chairman, Naqvi is also the chief of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and an interior minister in Pakistan.

Since then, the Asia Cup trophy is still with Naqvi, who has time and again reiterated that the Indian cricket board should come and receive the trophy from the ACC headquarters in Dubai. Speaking on Willow by Cricbuzz podcast, Holder was asked about a recent incident that changed his mind. He was candid on his view.

“I don’t like the India–Pakistan beef. It goes way beyond the cricket field. It's sad because they are the two powerhouses in world cricket. I saw India win the Asia Cup and they didn’t go to accept the trophy. It’s just too much, man,” said the burly West Indian.

"These things shouldn't be in our game, especially if we are ambassadors for the world. If you are talking about world peace, if you want to make this world a better place, that's what you not want to see from your idols and inspirers. If you are inspiring a generation, we have got to find a way to come together," added Holder.

Let’s practise what we preach: Jason Holder

The political relations between India and Pakistan have never been healthy. It turned sour after the Mumbai terror attack in 2009, impacting the sport too. Notably India hand Pakistan have not played a bilateral series in any format since 2012. They only face off in ACC and International Cricket Council (ICC) events.

Holder felt sport can bridge the gap providing both the country's willingness. “If it’s possible at a sporting level, maybe it becomes possible in everyday life too,” added the big-hitting all-rounder, who will turn up for Gujarat Titans in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League.

“Stopping the fighting and tension would be huge,” he added. Emphasizing respect on both countries, Holder opined to uphold the spirit of the game. “We talk about unity and growing the game. So let’s practise what we preach — bring cricket together and build healthier relationships,” concluded Holder.

Holder's comments didn't go well with certain fans on social media.

A renowned face in franchise cricket all over the world, Holder was picked up Gujarat Titans during IPL 2026 auction for a huge ₹10 crore. Previously, Holder has played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants.