India likely to skip Asia Cup 2025 over Pakistan tensions: BCCI notifies ACC

In a bold move amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided India will not participate in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September.

According tsources, the BCCI has already informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision. An official announcement is expected soon. India will also skip the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, set to be held in Sri Lanka next year. This marks a broader policy shift, as BCCI takes a tough stance against events involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), especially since the ACC is currently chaired by PCB President Mohsin Naqvi.

A senior BCCI official explained

“This is part of a strategy to distance ourselves from Pakistan cricket. Team India cannot play under a tournament overseen by a Pakistani minister. We've decided to halt future collaborations in such events.”

What Happens to the Asia Cup Without India?

The tournament's fate now hangs in the balance. Without Team India, commercial value, sponsorships, and audience engagement will likely take a major hit.

Originally scheduled to be hosted in India, the Asia Cup typically features India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Without its biggest draw—India—the event could face serious setbacks.

Background: Not the First Clash

This isn’t the first time politics have spilled onto the cricket field. In the 2023 Asia Cup, India refused to play in Pakistan, forcing the matches to be held in Sri Lanka. Ironically, Pakistan didn’t reach the finals, while India went on to win the tournament.

Stay tuned for the official confirmation, as this development could significantly reshape regional cricket dynamics.