BCCI Yet to Decide on India’s Participation in Asia Cup 2025, Confirms No Communication with ACC

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet made a decision regarding India’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, despite growing speculation in light of recent political tensions with Pakistan. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified on Monday that no formal discussions have taken place concerning the event.

"There has been no discussion at any level within the BCCI regarding the Asia Cup or any other ACC event," Saikia said in a statement. "As of now, we have not written to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) or taken any steps in that regard. Our current focus remains on the ongoing IPL and the upcoming series against England, for both the men's and women's teams."

India are the defending Asia Cup champions and were originally expected to host the tournament in the T20 format later this year, with September unofficially considered as the likely window. However, the ACC has yet to confirm the schedule or venues.

Reports also indicate uncertainty surrounding the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, which was scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in June. While ESPNcricinfo has learned the tournament has been postponed, no official statement has been issued by the ACC.

Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, leading to a temporary suspension of both the IPL and Pakistan Super League (PSL). The tournaments resumed on May 17 after a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10, though diplomatic relations remain strained.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently reignited the debate, stating in a personal capacity that there should be "absolutely no" cricketing engagement with Pakistan until terrorism ends.

Historically, the BCCI has required approval from the Indian government for any bilateral or multilateral engagement involving Pakistan. In 2023, when Pakistan was slated to host the Asia Cup, the Indian government denied permission for the team to travel. A hybrid model was implemented, with Sri Lanka hosting all of India's matches, including the final.

A similar arrangement was adopted earlier this year for the Champions Trophy, where India played all their games in Dubai rather than traveling to Pakistan.

India-Pakistan matches remain among the most commercially valuable fixtures in global cricket, significantly influencing media rights for both the ICC and ACC. However, political tensions have repeatedly disrupted the Asia Cup in past editions, leading to either team withdrawals or full tournament cancellations.

For now, the BCCI has made it clear: any decision on Asia Cup participation will be taken only after due deliberation—and for now, that discussion hasn’t even begun.