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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, citing recent tensions with Pakistan.
The decision comes at a time when cross-border tensions between the two nations have once again intensified.
According to Indian media, the BCCI has stated that it cannot participate in a tournament organized under Pakistan’s leadership, with the ACC currently headed by the Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
A senior BCCI official, speaking to local outlets, confirmed that India has already communicated its stance regarding the Asia Cup to the ACC.
“The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, whose chief is a Pakistani minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation,” the official was quoted as saying.
The BCCI has not just expressed reservations about the men’s Asia Cup; it has also pulled out of the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month, and put its future ACC participation on hold, pending directions from the Indian government.
“We have verbally communicated to ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and our future participation in their events too is on hold. We are in constant touch with the Indian government,” the source further stated.
This move throws the Asia Cup 2025, slated to be held in India later this year, into uncertain territory.
The latest development also casts a shadow over the already fragile framework of India-Pakistan cricketing ties.
While bilateral series have been off the table since 2012, Pakistan and India have continued to meet in multi-nation events like the World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup.
However, this escalating political standoff appears to be shrinking even those occasional encounters.
It’s worth noting that the Asia Cup 2023 was played under a hybrid model, with matches split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, allowing India to avoid travelling across the border.
India went on to win the title, thrashing Sri Lanka in the final, while Pakistan failed to make it to the decider.
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