BCCI Withdraws From Asia Cup Over Pakistan’s Leadership, India to Skip Upcoming Tournaments
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a major and significant decision regarding India's participation in the upcoming Asia Cup. In light of the current tensions between India and Pakistan, and the leadership of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) being in the hands of a Pakistani minister, the BCCI has decided to stay away from this multi-nation tournament for now. The board has also formally informed the ACC about its decision.
According to sources, the primary reason behind BCCI’s decision is the leadership of the ACC, which is currently headed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Pakistani minister Mohsin Naqvi. A source close to the BCCI said, “The Indian team will not participate in a tournament led by a Pakistani minister. This is an issue tied to national sentiment.”
This decision is likely to impact both the upcoming editions of the Asia Cup. As per an Indian Express report, the BCCI may also withdraw from the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month. Additionally, Team India will not participate in the Men’s Asia Cup scheduled for September.
Sources further revealed that the BCCI has informally conveyed to the ACC its intent to pull out of next month’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. It has also made it clear that India’s participation in future editions of the tournament will remain on hold. The BCCI is said to be in continuous communication with the Government of India on the matter.
This stance by the BCCI has now cast uncertainty over the organization of the Men’s Asia Cup in September. According to reports, without Team India, the significance of the Asia Cup would diminish greatly. Several major international cricket sponsors are associated with India. Moreover, India vs. Pakistan matches in the Asia Cup draw the highest viewership and revenue, making them a key broadcasting event. Besides India, the Asia Cup typically features teams from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.