The 2025 Asia Cup saw India triumph, with many players contributing to the victory. Opener Abhishek Sharma, however, was a standout performer. His stellar play throughout the tournament led to him being named Player of the Tournament. Despite this achievement, Sharma faces an unexpected setback: he cannot bring his prize HAVAL H9 SUV to India due to legal issues.
Sharma’s performance in the Asia Cup was exceptional. He amassed 314 runs in seven innings, averaging 44.86 with a strike rate of 200. He hit three half-centuries, 32 fours, and 19 sixes. His aggressive batting set the stage for India’s success in many matches and helped them win the cup. While he didn’t have a significant score in the final, his overall tournament stats were impressive. His outstanding performance earned him the HAVAL H9 SUV, a luxury off-road vehicle known for its strong design and features. This prize, however, has created a problem for Sharma.
The HAVAL H9 is stylish but doesn’t comply with Indian laws. The vehicle is a left-hand drive (LHD) model, but India only permits right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles. According to Indian road safety and vehicle registration rules, LHD cars are not allowed to be registered or driven. Therefore, Sharma cannot import or use the SUV in India. Fans initially wondered why he left the car behind, but the reason has become clear: the vehicle doesn’t meet Indian legal requirements.
There are reports that HAVAL might launch an RHD version of the SUV in India by November 2025. If this happens, Sharma may receive a new model that meets Indian regulations. Neither the company nor the organizers have yet made any official announcements.