Speculations suggest India might withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025, slated for September this year in India. It might also not participate in the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup in June in Sri Lanka.
The Board of Control of Cricket in India might take the decision to pull out from the cricketing events following the heightened tensions with Pakistan. Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is also the chief of the Asian Cricket Council.
BCCI has not formally taken or announced the decision, however, Indian media claims the BCCI is mulling over not participating in these events. It also claims BCCI has verbally informed ACC of its decision. Indian media outlet The Indian Express cited sources as saying that the decision was part of the move to isolate Pakistan.
“The Indian team can’t play in a tournament organised by the ACC, whose chief is a Pakistani minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation.
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“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 Indian Express quoted a source from BCCI.
The move is seen as a response to recent political and security developments, including heightened tensions following an attack in IIOJK and subsequent military actions.
The bilateral series between India and Pakistan has been suspended since 2013. Both countries play each other in cricket tournaments and events.
India also did not travel to Pakistan from the Champions Trophy 2025. Instead, all the matches of India were organized in the UAE. Both countries had agreed upon the hybrid model for future events; India will not visit Pakistan in case the latter is hosting the tournament. Meanwhile, Pakistan will not visit India if the latter is hosting any tournament.