India to exit Men’s Asia Cup? BCCI refutes claims

New Delhi: Reports had emerged suggesting that due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had decided to skip the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and withdraw from the Men’s Asia Cup.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the BCCI had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about its decision to pull out of both events scheduled for June and September, respectively. It was also noted that the ACC is currently headed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister in Pakistan’s central government.

However, the BCCI has categorically denied these reports, calling the claims entirely baseless. The board clarified that no such withdrawal has been discussed within the board.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saika told news agency PTI, “Since this morning, we have seen news reports claiming BCCI has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. These reports are completely false. No such discussions have taken place within the BCCI, nor has any communication been made to the ACC.”

About Men’s Asia Cup

India is the defending champion of the men’s Asia Cup, having beaten Sri Lanka in the 2023 final held in the 50-over format in Colombo. That event was also affected by India-Pakistan tensions. Originally set to be hosted entirely by Pakistan, the 2023 Men’s Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model after India refused to travel there, and had all its matches shifted to Sri Lanka.

This hybrid model was again replayed for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy – the tournament was to be played entirely in Pakistan. But India pushing for a hybrid model meant all of its games were played in Dubai.

While Pakistan crashed out in the league stage, India eventually won the trophy in Dubai on March 9. An Asia Cup without India will also be a dampener for broadcasters Sony Sports Network, who signed a deal for all ACC tournaments from 2024 to 2031 in November last year.

(With inputs from PTI, IANS)