New Delhi, May 19, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday rejected media reports claiming India had decided to withdraw from the upcoming Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both organized under the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that no such decision had been made, calling the reports “devoid of any truth.”
“Since this morning, we have noticed some news reports suggesting the BCCI has opted out of ACC events. We would like to clarify that no such discussion or decision has taken place,” Saikia told ANI, adding that the BCCI’s current focus remains on the IPL and upcoming England series for both men’s and women’s teams.
Earlier, Indian media had speculated that India was pulling out of the tournaments due to escalating political tensions with Pakistan and the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both PCB Chairman and ACC President. Some reports alleged that the BCCI had verbally communicated its withdrawal to the ACC.
India, the defending champion of the Asia Cup, has not played bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2013. Matches between the two nuclear-armed neighbors are now confined to multi-nation events on neutral grounds. Tensions escalated further this month after unprovoked Indian airstrikes in response to a deadly militant attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Adding to the charged atmosphere, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir recently stated he believes India should not engage in any cricket with Pakistan until hostilities cease.
Despite the rhetoric, the BCCI has yet to make any official moves regarding its participation in the upcoming ACC tournaments.
