May 19, 2025: The growing political tensions between India and Pakistan are set to take a significant toll on cricketing relations between the two nations, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) planning to withdraw from this year’s Asia Cup. This decision is likely to have long-term ramifications for multi-team events featuring both teams, as the already strained bilateral cricket ties could worsen further.
India and Pakistan have largely refrained from playing bilateral series due to political conflicts, but with the current situation worsening, the prospects of even multi-team tournaments, like the Asia Cup, have become increasingly uncertain. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which governs cricket in the continent, is currently led by Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
India, whose BCCI has considerable influence in global cricketing affairs, is reportedly planning to pull out of the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in India, in a bid to isolate Pakistan even further. The India vs Pakistan clash is the marquee attraction of the tournament, generating immense viewership and significant revenue, especially for Indian broadcasters. However, with the political tensions making it increasingly difficult for India to play against Pakistan, the BCCI sees little value in continuing with the Asia Cup plans, especially as it risks financial repercussions due to the absence of the blockbuster match.
A source close to the BCCI shared with Indian Express that, “The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, whose chief is a Pakistani minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation. We have verbally communicated to the ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and our future participation in their events too is on hold. We are in constant touch with the Indian government.”
The decision to withdraw could spell financial trouble for the ACC, with much of the revenue from the tournament traditionally coming from Indian sponsors. In fact, the Asia Cup 2024 had been a major financial deal, with Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) acquiring the media rights for a hefty $170 million. However, if India does indeed pull out, the sponsorship deal will likely need to be restructured, and the tournament’s future could be at risk.
The 2023 Asia Cup had already adopted a hybrid model due to political issues, with matches split between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. India clinched the title in Colombo, while Pakistan failed to qualify for the final. This year, however, it seems unlikely that India will participate at all, further complicating the situation.
As the political climate continues to influence cricketing decisions, the Asia Cup could face its biggest challenge yet, with other Asian countries also affected by the absence of India — both financially and in terms of competition. The final outcome of this ongoing situation will likely depend on how diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan evolve in the coming months.