New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from both the Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, citing Pakistan’s leadership role in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) as a reason for its refusal to participate.
The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled for September in India, while the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup is due to take place in June in Sri Lanka.
However, the BCCI has reportedly informed the ACC verbally about its withdrawal from the women’s tournament, and has placed other upcoming ACC events on hold, according to Indian media.
Sources say that the BCCI has not formally communicated its withdrawal to the ACC, but internal deliberations and coordination with the Indian government are ongoing.
An unnamed BCCI official was quoted as saying, “The Indian team cannot participate in a tournament headed by a Pakistani minister,” referring to Mohsin Naqvi, who currently serves as both Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and President of the Asian Cricket Council.
India is the defending champion of the Asia Cup, having won the previous edition. Reports suggest the BCCI’s decision is politically motivated, stemming from rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad in recent months.
Earlier this month, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir said he personally believes India should not play any cricket with Pakistan, not even in neutral venues, after a deadly militant attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month.
“Till all this doesn’t stop, there should not be anything between India and Pakistan.”
Any match between the arch-rivals remains a cricketing blockbuster and is declared soldout within hours after tickets go on sale.
Pakistan’s men’s team toured India for the 50-overs World Cup in 2023 but their neighbours have not reciprocated.
India refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy earlier this year and played all their matches in Dubai instead.
