2025 Asia Cup in Doubt as BCCI Reportedly Plans Withdrawal Amid Political Tensions

The 2025 Asia Cup, originally scheduled to be hosted in India this September, is facing increasing uncertainty as reports emerge suggesting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may pull out of the tournament due to ongoing geopolitical tensions with Pakistan.

BCCI’s Reported Withdrawal Raises Concerns

According to multiple Indian media outlets, the BCCI has expressed reservations about participating in two upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments:

The Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in India (September)
The Women’s Emerging Asia Cup in Sri Lanka (June)

The hesitation is reportedly tied to Pakistan’s current leadership role within the ACC, which is being chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

No Official Statement Yet, But Discussions Are Underway

While the BCCI has yet to release an official public statement, sources indicate that the board has communicated its stance informally to the ACC. It is also believed that the BCCI is in ongoing consultations with the Indian government, and a final decision is expected soon.

Political Tensions Behind the Move

The reported stance comes in the wake of escalating political and security issues, particularly following a recent incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the military responses that followed. These developments have reignited tensions between the two nations, which continue to impact cross-border sporting engagements.

A History of Cricket Standstill Between India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2013, with their meetings restricted to ICC and ACC tournaments hosted at neutral venues. Most recently, during the 2023 Asia Cup, India refused to travel to Pakistan and instead played its matches in Sri Lanka, leading to a hybrid model arrangement. Similarly, India has shown resistance to participating in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is slated to be held in Pakistan.

India, the defending champions of the Asia Cup, now risks missing out on defending its title if the current stance persists.

India likely to pull out of Asia Cup 2025: reports

What’s Next for the 2025 Asia Cup?

If the BCCI formalizes its decision to opt out, the future of the 2025 Asia Cup could hang in the balance. A withdrawal by India, the tournament’s biggest commercial draw, could force the ACC to reconsider the venue, format, or even the feasibility of the event altogether.

With political sensitivities continuing to impact regional cricket, fans are once again caught in the crossfire—hoping for resolution but bracing for disappointment.

Asia Cup 2025 India Exit Loom Over Conflict with Pakistan.