Ever since military tensions escalated between Pakistan and India, concerns over the Asia Cup had been mounting. Rumors had been circulating that India was no longer willing to face Pakistan on the cricket field. While many may not have expected action to follow words so swiftly, it now appears to be happening. According to reports from Indian media, India has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Asia Cup.
The Indian Express, citing sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), confirmed the development. The report states that India will not only skip the men’s Asia Cup but will also withdraw from the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup.
Indian media also provided an explanation behind this decision. A senior BCCI official stated “India cannot participate in a tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) when the head of the organization is a Pakistani government minister. This is about national sentiment. We have informed the ACC verbally about our decision to withdraw from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Asia Cup and have requested a suspension of our participation in future ACC events. We remain in constant communication with the Indian government on this matter.”
Currently, the ACC President is Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). India’s withdrawal is reportedly a direct response to his leadership role in the ACC.
While India’s withdrawal from the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup has been confirmed, several Indian media outlets report that a similar withdrawal from the men’s Asia Cup is also imminent. These sources suggest that India will not participate in the tournament as long as Mohsin Naqvi remains in charge of the ACC.
India’s decision could significantly impact the 2025 Asia Cup, as the country was scheduled to host the tournament. With their withdrawal, the ACC may now need to find a new host venue to stage the event.
