In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided to withdraw from all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, including the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, amid ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, according to Indian media sources.
The decision comes as India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2007, with both nations only facing off in ICC tournaments on neutral venues. The move follows the recent appointment of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi as the new president of the ACC.
As per The Indian Express, the BCCI has communicated its intention to pull out of the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month, and the Men’s Asia Cup in September. Sources told the outlet that this was part of a broader effort to isolate Pakistan cricket.
A BCCI official reportedly stated:
“The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC whose chief is a Pakistan minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation.”
They further added that the BCCI has verbally informed the ACC of their withdrawal from upcoming events, and future participation remains uncertain. The Indian board is said to be in constant consultation with the Indian government on the matter.
Sources also acknowledged that an Asia Cup without India would be commercially unviable, given the significant Indian sponsorship and viewership base that supports international cricket tournaments.
This isn’t the first time politics have interfered with cricket between the two countries. In 2023, a hybrid model was adopted after India refused to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Matches were instead held in neutral venues, with India playing its fixtures outside Pakistan.
Similarly, during the ICC Champions Trophy, India played its matches in Dubai after refusing to send the team to Pakistan, which was originally set to host the event.
Adding to the tension, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir recently urged a complete end to cricketing ties with Pakistan, including in Asia Cup and ICC events.
