In a dramatic turn of events prior to top Asian cricket competitions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has apparently decided to pull out of the Asia Cup 2025, casting doubt on whether the event will take place or not. This news is reported by Indian media, quoting BCCI sources.
India’s Exit Casts Shadow Over Asia Cup 2025
The BCCI has told the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that it is withdrawing from the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 and Women’s Emerging Asia Cup 2025, reports say. This announcement put in doubt the successful hosting of the two events, particularly the men’s tournament, which was set for September 2025.
Political Hostility towards Pakistan at the Center of the Affair
Indian media say the main reason for India’s pullout is persistent political tensions with Pakistan. The top leadership of the ACC has become an issue, since Mohsin Naqvi, the present Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and a federal minister of Pakistan, is presently heading the ACC.
Indian media sources quoted one BCCI official as saying,
“We cannot play in a tournament that is run by a Pakistani government representative.”
This reflects the BCCI’s longstanding hesitation to engage in bilateral or multilateral cricket activities involving Pakistan, especially when hosted or administrated by Pakistan officials.
Women’s Emerging Asia Cup Also Affected
The Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, set for June 2025 in Sri Lanka, is reportedly facing uncertainty as well. The Indian media reports the BCCI has already verbally communicated the ACC the withdrawal of India from this tournament. But as yet, the ACC has not made any official announcement of India’s withdrawal.
This comes amidst increasing concerns about the politics in sports, especially in multi-nation tournaments between South Asian competitors.
ACC Tournaments Held Back
It has also been reported that the BCCI has asked all future ACC events to be put on hold, subject to further talks. The BCCI has reportedly been in touch with the Indian government on a regular basis to discuss future inclusion in ACC-organized tournaments.
This comes amid a similar trend seen during the lead-up to the 2023 Asia Cup, which was ultimately staged in a hybrid format owing to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan.
While the Indian media boldly announced India’s withdrawal, it is reported by some sources that the BCCI has not yet officially notified the ACC regarding the same. This discrepancy has further fueled confusion and debate regarding the fate of the tournament and whether diplomatic efforts could save it in time.
What’s Next for Asia Cup 2025?
As the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 is to be played merely months ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, India’s participation in both will now be doubted. Cricket enthusiasts and officials from all over the region are now looking to see if the ACC will reschedule the event, delay it, or cancel it altogether.
All eyes are on the BCCI and ACC for now for their official comments to decide the future course of one of Asia’s most prestigious cricket tournaments.
