Following escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, the strain has also seeped into the cricketing world. Initially, India had decided not to face Pakistan in any tournaments, raising concerns about the Asia Cup scheduled for this September.
Now, the future of the Asia Cup seems even more uncertain. According to Indian media outlet The Indian Express, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to pull out from all events organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
This decision doesn’t just affect the men’s Asia Cup; India has also withdrawn from the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka next month.
The BCCI cited the reason behind the withdrawal: India will not participate in any tournament under an organization led by a Pakistani minister. Currently, the ACC president is Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Sources claim this decision is part of a broader strategy by the BCCI to diplomatically isolate Pakistan in international cricket.
A BCCI official stated, “Our team cannot participate in a tournament organized by someone who is a minister of Pakistan. This reflects the general sentiment of the country. We have verbally informed the ACC of our withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and we are suspending participation in their future events. We are in regular contact with the Indian government on this matter.”
The Men’s Asia Cup was initially scheduled to be held in India this September, featuring teams from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. With India’s withdrawal, there is now a strong possibility the tournament will be postponed.
Given that a majority of international cricket event sponsors come from India, the BCCI believes the Asia Cup will not generate much excitement without India’s presence. Additionally, without the high-voltage India-Pakistan matches, broadcasters may lose interest, significantly reducing revenue from broadcasting rights.
In ACC events, the five full members—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan—each receive 15% of the broadcasting revenue. The remaining funds are distributed among associate and approved members.
Even the 2023 Asia Cup faced similar challenges. Although it was hosted by Pakistan, India refused to travel across the border. As a result, a hybrid model was implemented, and India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka.
The same situation unfolded during the 2024 Champions Trophy. Though Pakistan was the host, India insisted on a hybrid model again and played their matches in Dubai. Since India reached the final, Pakistan missed out on hosting it.
Previously, India’s Jay Shah served as ACC president. He stepped down after being elected ICC Chairman last year, and Mohsin Naqvi subsequently assumed the ACC role.
