India to skip Women's Emerging Asia Cup, pull out of Men's Asia Cup: Report

IANS May 19, 2025 222 views

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from both the Women's Emerging Teams and Men's Asia Cup tournaments due to ongoing tensions with Pakistan. This decision follows previous tournament disruptions, including the 2023 Asia Cup being held in a hybrid format. The withdrawal potentially impacts broadcasting deals and regional cricket dynamics. The move underscores the persistent diplomatic challenges between India and Pakistan that continue to influence sporting events.

"The decision leaves the future of the men's Asia Cup in serious jeopardy" - The Indian Express
New Delhi, May 19: Due to the continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided to skip the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup and even pull out from the Men's Asia Cup.

Key Points

1

BCCI informed Asian Cricket Council about tournament withdrawal

2

Tensions continue to impact regional cricket competitions

3

India was defending Men's Asia Cup champion

4

Tournament originally planned with multiple Asian teams

The development leaves the future of the men's Asia Cup in serious jeopardy. As of now, India have the hosting rights for the Men's Asia Cup, set to happen in September this year in T20 format. Apart from India and Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Oman were to be a part of the tournament.

According to The Indian Express report, the BCCI has informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about the decision to withdraw from both events happening in June and September, respectively. It is to be noted that the ACC is currently headed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister in the country's central government.

India is the defending champion of the men's Asia Cup, having beaten Sri Lanka in the 2023 final held in the 50-over format in Colombo. That event was also affected by India-Pakistan tensions. Originally set to be hosted entirely by Pakistan, the 2023 Men's Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model after India refused to travel there, and had all its matches shifted to Sri Lanka.

This hybrid model was again replayed for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy - the tournament was to be played entirely in Pakistan. But India pushing for a hybrid model meant all of its games were played in Dubai.

While Pakistan crashed out in the league stage, India eventually won the trophy in Dubai on March 9. An Asia Cup without India will also be a dampener for broadcasters Sony Sports Network, who signed a deal for all ACC tournaments from 2024 to 2031 in November last year.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Very disappointing decision. Sports should be kept separate from politics. Our women's team is doing so well, they deserve to play international tournaments. This only hurts our players' development. 😔
P
Priya M.
Fully support BCCI's stand. Why should we participate when ACC is headed by a Pakistani minister? Their government's actions speak louder than any cricket diplomacy. National security comes first, always!
A
Arjun S.
Mixed feelings about this. While I understand the political tensions, cricket is our national passion. Maybe we could have played at neutral venues like before? Missing Asia Cup will affect team preparation before T20 WC.
S
Sunita R.
Sad for women's cricket especially. They get fewer opportunities than men and now this? BCCI should arrange alternate tournaments if they're withdrawing from Asia Cup. Don't punish our athletes for political issues.
V
Vikram J.
Good move! We're the cricket superpower, let ACC feel the pinch without India. Broadcasters will learn not to sign deals without considering geopolitical realities. Hope BCCI organizes a parallel tournament with friendly nations.
N
Neha P.
This is getting repetitive. Either find a permanent solution for cricket ties with Pakistan or move on completely. The hybrid model was working fine - why disrupt it now? Our players deserve stability in their schedules.

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Tags:
Cricket India-Pakistan Tensions BCCI Asia Cup Men's Cricket Women's Cricket Mohsin Naqvi