The 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in India later this year, faces growing uncertainty following reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to withdraw from the tournament due to ongoing political tensions with Pakistan.
According to Indian media reports, the BCCI has expressed reluctance to participate in both the Asia Cup, slated for September in India, and the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, scheduled for June in Sri Lanka.
The reported decision stems from Pakistan’s leadership in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), currently headed by Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
While no formal announcement had been made initially, the BCCI has now categorically denied these rumours, according to Indian media reports.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said no decision on the upcoming Asian events was discussed by the board, nor has any communication been made to the ACC about withdrawal.
“Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI’s decision not to participate in Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC’s events. Such news are devoid of any truth as till now BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the upcoming ACC events, leave alone writing anything to the ACC,” Saikia said.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia to ANI says, “Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news reports that the BCCI has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both of which are ACC (Asian Cricket Council) events. Such news… pic.twitter.com/U0fZ9t8Ykl
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025
“At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women,” he added.
“The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, hence any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary. It may be said that BCCI will announce in due course as and when any discussion on any ACC events should take place or any key decision is reached,” Saikia concluded.
The move is seen as a response to recent political and security developments, including heightened tensions following a attack in IIOJK and subsequent military actions.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in bilateral cricket since 2013, with encounters limited to ICC and ACC multi-nation events at neutral venues. India, the defending Asia Cup champion, previously avoided traveling to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, choosing to play matches in Dubai instead.
The ACC has yet to issue an official response to the reported developments.
