Although there’s a ceasefire between India and Pakistan politically, that truce doesn’t seem to apply to cricket just yet. India is reportedly set to officially withdraw from the Asia Cup.
According to a report by the Indian Express, a source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the decision has been verbally communicated to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). However, BCCI secretary Debojit Saikia has denied the report, stating that no such discussion has taken place within the board regarding withdrawal from the tournament.
The Indian Express also reported that India is not only planning to pull out of the men’s Asia Cup but also the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka this June. The men’s Asia Cup is due to take place in September, with matches hosted in India, while Pakistan’s games were planned to be held in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. A BCCI source stated, “India cannot participate in a tournament organised by the ACC when its president is a Pakistani minister.”
Later, BCCI secretary Saikia told the Indian Express, “Since this morning, reports have been circulating that India is withdrawing from both the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup and the Men’s Asia Cup. There’s no truth to these claims. The board has not had any such discussions, nor has anything been communicated to the ACC. Our current focus is on completing the IPL, followed by the tour of England.”
Despite denying the withdrawal, Saikia also did not explicitly confirm India’s participation in the Asia Cup. With only four months left before the tournament, India’s potential absence could result in significant financial losses for the ACC. The biggest blow would come from the broadcasting side. Sony Sports Network has acquired the media rights for the next four editions of the Asia Cup for $170 million (approximately ₹2,071 crore), with a condition that each tournament must include at least two India-Pakistan matches. If India pulls out, Sony would likely refuse to pay the full amount, leaving the ACC in a precarious financial position.
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