In what could spark the biggest shake-up in Asian cricket this year, India is reportedly set to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025, citing political tensions with Pakistan and strong reservations about the leadership of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
According to Indian media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already informed the ACC that it won’t participate in any tournament administered under Pakistani leadership — a direct reference to Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and current ACC President.
“The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, whose chief is a Pakistani minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying.
Not Just the Men’s Event
The ripple effect is wider than just the Asia Cup. India has also pulled out of the upcoming Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, scheduled next month in Sri Lanka. According to reports, the BCCI has put all future ACC participation on hold and is waiting for directions from the Indian government before making any further commitments.
Diplomatic Standoff Spilling into Cricket
This development comes just days after fresh tensions escalated across the Line of Control (LoC), followed by a short-lived ceasefire. The cricketing fallout now mirrors the political one. While the Asia Cup 2023 was salvaged with a hybrid model, this time around, the situation appears far more rigid.
India’s hardline stance is rooted in recent events, including deadly attacks in Indian-occupied Kashmir and aggressive rhetoric on both sides. Indian coach Gautam Gambhir also made headlines earlier this month, urging the government to reconsider any cricketing engagements with Pakistan.
“There should be no sporting ties until such incidents stop,” Gambhir had said, shortly before airstrikes raised regional alarms.
What Now for the Asia Cup 2025?
Originally expected to be hosted in Pakistan or under a joint model, the Asia Cup 2025 now stands on shaky ground. Without India — Asia’s biggest cricketing market — the tournament’s commercial and sporting value takes a massive hit. Broadcasters, sponsors, and even fans across the region are now left in limbo.
Cricket between India and Pakistan has already been restricted to multi-nation events like the World Cup and Champions Trophy since 2013, with no bilateral series for over a decade. Now, even those rare encounters seem under threat.
