India Pulls Out Of Asia Cup Amid Ongoing Tensions With Pakistan

India has pulled out of the Men’s Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup due to ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took the decision after internal discussions and informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

This move puts the Men’s Asia Cup in serious doubt. India was set to host the tournament in September in the T20 format.

The event included India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Oman.

According to The Indian Express, BCCI has confirmed its withdrawal from both tournaments. The Women’s event was scheduled for June, and the Men’s Asia Cup was to follow in September.

The ACC, currently led by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, received formal communication from the Indian board. Naqvi also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.

India holds the Men’s Asia Cup title. They defeated Sri Lanka in the 2023 final in Colombo. That tournament also faced political hurdles.

Pakistan was supposed to host it, but India refused to travel. As a result, the ACC used a hybrid model, and all Indian matches were played in Sri Lanka.

The same model applied to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The event was initially planned in Pakistan, but India insisted on neutral venues.

India played all matches in Dubai. Pakistan failed to progress past the league stage. India won the trophy on 9 March in Dubai.

Broadcasters are likely to suffer from India’s absence. Sony Sports Network had signed a long-term deal in November 2024.

The contract covers all ACC events from 2024 to 2031. Without India, the Asia Cup could lose viewership and impact revenue.

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