Defending Champions India pull out of Asia Cup 2025, BCCI informs ACC about big decision amidst conflict: Report

The bilateral relations between India and Pakistan are on a downward spiral. Operation Sindoor to avenge Pahalgam terrorist attack was followed by military conflict between India and Pakistan. After a few days, the two countries reached a ceasefire agreement. While a delusional Pakistan celebrated what they believed was their victory as Pakistan Super League (PSL) resumed, India carried on, not mixing sports with politics. However, as the Operation Sindoor continues, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made its stand clear on bilateral ties and Asia Cup. The BCCI has informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) verbally about its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup and Men's T20 Asia Cup in September.

Currently, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Mohsin Naqvi is heading the ACC. As per a report by the Indian Express, the BCCI intends to isolate Pakistan cricket.

“The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC whose chief is a Pakistan minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation. We have verbally communicated to ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and our future participation in their events too is on hold. We are in constant touch with the Indian government,” a BCCI source told the English daily.

This edition's of Men's Asia Cup was scheduled to be hosted in September by India. However, there is a big question mark over the tournament involving India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

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In addition, the Asia Cup won't pique the interest of broadcasters and advertisers in the absence of an India-Pakistan clash. This may lead to the Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) deal getting reworked as they paid 170 million US dollars in 2024 for eight years of Asia Cup matches.

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Big blow to other members of ACC

If the Asia Cup does not take place, it will affect the other Asia Cup members as well. 75 per cent of the broadcasting revenue is distributed among full members of the ACC -- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan -- whereas associates and affiliates get the rest.

No respite for Pakistan

This will be the third consecutive blow for Pakistan. In 2023, India refused to travel to Pakistan and played their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan failed to make it to the final and India won the title after beating Sri Lanka in Colombo. Earlier this year, India played their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai. Host Pakistan could not make it past the group stage.

While the Indian team may have no option other than forfeit in the ICC events, there is no compulsion to engage in bilateral events or other tournaments.