New Delhi, August 3, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reaffirmed its decision to participate in the Asia Cup 2025, dismissing mounting political pressure to boycott the tournament, Indian media reported on Sunday.
Despite calls from various political quarters to withdraw, the BCCI remains resolute, stating that the decision to compete was made after two months of careful deliberations—not in haste. The board has reportedly conveyed to political leaders that withdrawing from the Asia Cup could damage India’s global sporting credibility and affect its ambitions to host future mega-events.
According to the reports, BCCI officials argued that a boycott could hurt India’s prospects of securing bids for international events such as the 2036 Olympic Games, the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and the 2032 Youth Olympics.
The BCCI emphasized that while bilateral series decisions are made between individual countries, participation in multinational events is governed by international norms and cannot be influenced by political sentiments alone. Refusing to play against a specific country in a multi-nation tournament, it added, could violate established international sporting protocols.
However, criticism continues to grow from political figures, especially over India’s scheduled match against Pakistan.
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned both the BCCI and the central government in a post on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why cricketing ties are proceeding while diplomatic and trade relations with Pakistan remain frozen.
“Name and shame every sponsor, broadcaster, and streaming app that attempts to make money out of this India-Pak match,” she wrote. “Since BCCI and GoI are shamelessly going ahead with this match, it is now up to Indian citizens to make their voices loud and clear.”
The Asia Cup 2025, set to be played in the T20 format, is seen as a key preparatory event ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February next year.
Eight teams are participating, divided into two groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
The tournament kicks off on September 9 with a Group B fixture between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
Pakistan will begin their campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by the highly anticipated clash with India on September 14, and conclude the group stage with a match against UAE on September 17.
