BCCI Makes Major Decision to Withdraw from Asia Cup After India-Pakistan Tensions

After the recent war tension between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a big decision and decided to withdraw from the upcoming Asia Cup. The BCCI has informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about its decision to withdraw from the Women's Emerging Team Asia Cup and Men's Asia Cup to be held in September. According to the reports, this decision of the BCCI is part of the effort to isolate Pakistan cricket. Currently, the ACC is headed by Mohsin Naqvi of Pakistan, who is also the President of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

A BCCI source stated that the Indian team would not participate in a tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), citing that the ACC is headed by a Pakistani minister, which touches upon national sentiments. The source also went onto mention that they had verbally informed the ACC about India’s withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Team Asia Cup and that future participation in ACC events has also been put on hold. They added that the BCCI is in constant communication with the Indian government regarding the matter.

 "The Indian team cannot play in a tournament that is organized by the ACC and whose head is a Pakistani minister. This matter is related to the sentiments of the country. We have verbally informed the ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women's Emerging Team Asia Cup and our future participation in their events has also been put on hold. We are in constant touch with the Government of India," BCCI source said.

ALSO READ: Top 3 reasons why Delhi Capitals Lost to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 Match 60

🚨 INDIA OPTS OUT FROM ASIA CUP. 🚨

- The BCCI decides to not participate in the upcoming Asia Cup. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/DARU2lameb

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2025

Asia Cup may be postponed

The BCCI's strong stance has cast uncertainty over the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India in September. With major teams like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka participating, sources suggest the tournament may be postponed. The BCCI reportedly understands that the Asia Cup cannot proceed without India, given the heavy reliance on Indian sponsors and the massive viewership draw of an India-Pakistan clash, which is vital for broadcasters and overall tournament success.

Following the recent terrorist attack in India, there has been growing public sentiment demanding a complete sporting boycott of Pakistan, including in ICC events. Many have also raised concerns about India facing Pakistan in international tournaments, with calls for the two nations to be placed in separate groups to avoid direct matchups. This escalating pressure further complicates the scheduling and structuring of future multi-nation cricket events, particularly those involving both countries.