India Still in Asia Cup? BCCI Breaks Silence on Controversial Reports

May 19, 2025: In the wake of escalating geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, speculation has swirled around the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) potentially withdrawing from upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events — including the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in June and the Men’s Asia Cup in September. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has officially dismissed these claims.

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Saikia stated, “Such news is devoid of any truth. Till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the upcoming ACC events, let alone written anything to the ACC.”

He further clarified that no formal communication or decision regarding India’s participation in ACC tournaments has taken place. “At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and the subsequent England series, both men and women,” Saikia added, reiterating the board’s current priorities.

Saikia also emphasized that the Asia Cup issue has not been discussed at any level within the board and any decision, if and when taken, will be announced officially:
“The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level. Hence, any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary.”

The clarification comes after The Indian Express published a report quoting an unnamed BCCI source who claimed India would not participate in any tournament overseen by the ACC, which is currently chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister. The report cited the national sentiment following recent cross-border tensions and Operation Sindoor as potential reasons for a boycott.

India is currently slated to host the Men’s Asia Cup in September, adding further complexity to the situation if relations remain strained.

For now, no official decision has been made by the BCCI, and fans await a formal update once discussions are held internally.