Cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan has hit another major roadblock. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a withdrawal from the 2025 Asia Cup due to rising geopolitical tensions in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s strong military response through Operation Sindoor. The strained political climate has cast a shadow over the sport once again, with cricket becoming collateral damage in the broader conflict.
According to The Indian Express, the BCCI has already communicated its intention to pull out of the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and has placed its participation in the Men’s Asia Cup on hold. The move reflects national sentiment and concerns about playing under the leadership of Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who currently chairs the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
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A BCCI source explained, “The Indian team cannot play in a tournament organized by an ACC president who is a Pakistani minister. This aligns with the mood of the nation. We’ve informed the ACC of our decision regarding the women’s tournament, and future participation is on hold. We’re in continuous consultation with the Indian government.”
🏮BCCI has decided to opt out of Asia Cup 2025..
I think it’s well planned decision to kick out Pak out of the Context & Make Asia Cup less valued & less Profitable because Chairman Of ACC is Pakistan so this is the best decision to cook them.#India #AsiaCup #ICT #Asiacup pic.twitter.com/8hiSubhWxq— StrangeHuman0 (@HumanStrange0) May 19, 2025
Originally scheduled to be hosted by India in T20 format ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, the 2025 Asia Cup is now expected to be played in the UAE, adopting a hybrid model similar to the 2023 edition. In that tournament, India refused to travel to Pakistan and played all matches in Sri Lanka.
India’s potential exit poses a major headache for the ACC. Not only would it dilute the competitive quality of the tournament, but it could also deliver a blow to its commercial appeal. With broadcasters like Sony Pictures Networks India committing USD 170 million for Asia Cup rights until 2032, India’s absence would significantly impact viewership and revenue.
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Moreover, this could create a domino effect, leading other cricket boards to reconsider their involvement, isolating Pakistan’s cricket calendar further. The BCCI’s final decision is still awaited, but as it stands, political realities may once again dictate the fate of a high-profile cricketing event in Asia.
