The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday firmly denied media reports suggesting that India had withdrawn from the upcoming Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup — two key tournaments governed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
“Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news reports that the BCCI has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both of which are ACC events. Such news is devoid of any truth as of now,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI.
Saikia clarified that the BCCI has neither discussed nor made any decisions regarding India’s participation in the ACC events and has not communicated anything of that sort to the council.
“At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and the subsequent England series, both men’s and women’s,” he said.
He further added that any reports claiming otherwise are “purely speculative and imaginary.” Saikia assured that should any developments regarding ACC tournaments arise in the future, the BCCI would officially announce them through the media.
India has been the defending champion for the Men’s Asia Cup 2023 after defeating Sri Lanka securing their eight Asia Cup title.
Indian cricket not only stakeholder
The sensitive geopolitical tensions might lead to lesser viewership based on trends observed even after the IPL 2025 resumed. The sensitive geopolitical tensions might lead to lesser viewership based on trends observed even after the IPL 2025 resumed. The five full members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, each receive 15% of the broadcasting revenue, while the remaining share is divided among associate and affiliate members situation
Not the first time
Considering the India-Pak tensions are not something that emerged after the Pahalgam terror attack, they have only been escalated since then. In fact, after an emergency blackout in Dharamshala during an ongoing IPL 2025 match, the League was suspended by the BCCI for ten days. However, now resumed, only the last-leg playoffs remain the exciting factor for fans.
Tensions between India and Pakistan also affected the 2023 Asia Cup. Although Pakistan was the designated host, India declined to travel there, prompting the BCCI to arrange for India’s matches to be held in Sri Lanka. The event proved disappointing for the PCB, as Pakistan did not reach the final, and India clinched the title by defeating Sri Lanka in Colombo. A similar situation unfolded during the 2024 ICC Champions Trophy, also hosted by Pakistan. India again advocated for a hybrid model and played their matches in Dubai.