The Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in India later this year, faces fresh uncertainty. Reports from Indian media suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering pulling out of the tournament due to rising political tensions with Pakistan.
Allegedly, the BCCI is also hesitant to participate in the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, which is set for June in Sri Lanka.
BCCI Issues Clarification
However, in response to the media reports, the BCCI has firmly denied any plans to withdraw. Speaking to Indian outlets, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the rumours as “devoid of any truth.”
“Since this morning, it has come to our notice that some news items suggest BCCI’s decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup,” Saikia said. “These reports are purely speculative. The board has neither discussed nor taken any steps in this regard.”
He emphasised that BCCI has not communicated anything to the ACC. “At this stage, our focus remains on the ongoing IPL and the upcoming England series, for both men and women,” he added.
Saikia also stated that if and when any discussion about ACC events takes place, an official announcement will be made. “Until then, such reports should be treated as imaginary,” he concluded.
The speculation is tied to ongoing political and security tensions in the region. Relations between India and Pakistan remain strained, especially after a recent attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the subsequent military developments.
Notably, India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2013. They have only faced each other in ICC and ACC tournaments, and always at neutral venues. In a recent example, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, opting to play its matches in Dubai instead.
What’s Next?
So far, the ACC has not issued any official statement regarding the situation. India, as the defending Asia Cup champion, remains a key participant in the tournament. Any potential withdrawal would significantly impact the event’s structure and scheduling.
Until further notice, the matter remains unresolved, and all eyes are on the ACC and BCCI for official confirmation.
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