BCCI set to pull out of Asian Cup 2025: Reports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to pull out of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 campaign due to the cross border tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s response via Operation Sindoor.

According to a report published on the Indian Express, the BCCI has informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about its intention to withdraw from the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and moreover placed its participation in the Men’s Asia Cup on hold.

It’s important to note that the ACC is currently led by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also acting as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). With the Pakistani minister being the chief of the Asian Cricket Council, India communicated officially about pulling out from the competition, keeping the sentiment of the nation in mind.

“The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, whose chief is a Pakistani minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation. 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 is on hold. We are in constant touch with the Indian government,” said a BCCI source.

Notably, the Asia Cup usually features teams like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. With India missing out for the upcoming campaign, it’s a huge blow for the sponsors as the money-spinning India vs Pakistan clash wouldn’t interest the broadcasters. 

Interestingly, the Asia Cup 2023 edition was also impacted by India and Pakistan's tense situation. While Pakistan hosted the competition, India refused to tour Pakistan. Eventually, India played all of its matches in Sri Lanka and went on to win the title against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Most recently, India didn’t travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosted by Pakistan. Men In Blue played all of its games in Dubai and went on to win the title clash against New Zealand in Dubai.

This pattern was replayed at the 2024 ICC Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan. India pushed for a hybrid model once again, and played their games in Dubai. With India making it to the final — and winning the Cup — Pakistan missed its chance to host the title contest.

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