The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly refuted media claims that it intends to pull out of the Asia Cup 2025 and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, amid reported political tensions with Pakistan.
Clarifying the situation, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the board has neither discussed nor communicated any plans to withdraw from the upcoming tournaments. He labelled the media reports as baseless and misleading.
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The clarification followed widespread speculation by several Indian outlets that the BCCI had informally conveyed its decision to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to skip the two events. These reports also linked the alleged decision to Mohsin Naqvi’s dual position as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and current Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
It was further suggested that government clearance would be necessary for any future participation in ACC events, and that India’s women’s team would not feature in the Emerging Teams tournament scheduled in Sri Lanka next month.
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However, the BCCI has dismissed these claims, affirming that no such stance has been taken.
The Asia Cup 2025 is set to be hosted by India. According to preliminary arrangements, Pakistan may play its matches at a neutral venue, replicating the hybrid format used in the 2023 edition, where games were shared between Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to India’s travel concerns.
The BCCI has urged media to avoid spreading unverified information and wait for official announcements.
