The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a strong rebuttal to media reports in Indian media outlets claiming that India has withdrawn from the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup and the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events. The governing body labeled the speculation as entirely baseless and emphasized that no internal discussion has taken place on the matter.
No official decision or ACC communication, says BCCI
Speaking to Cricbuzz, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia made it clear that the board has not even broached the subject of withdrawing from either event.
“Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI‘s decision not to participate in Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC‘s events. Such news are devoid of any truth as till now BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the upcoming ACC events, leave alone writing anything to the ACC.”
This firm denial comes amid heightened political tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following India’s Operation Sindoor, a military strike against terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The current ACC President is Pakistan’s interior minister and PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, further complicating regional sensitivities.
Despite that backdrop, Saikia insisted that cricketing decisions are being made independently of external geopolitical dynamics.
IPL and England tour remain immediate priorities
Saikia reiterated that the board’s full attention is on the ongoing Indian Premier League and the national teams’ upcoming series against England. India’s men’s team is set for a five-match Test series starting next month, with the women’s team also scheduled for fixtures.
“At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women,” Saikia continued.
With such high-stakes commitments in progress and on the horizon, BCCI made it clear that ACC event planning is not currently on the agenda.
BCCI says no Asia Cup talks yet; will announce decision when one is made
Dismissing the Indian media narrative, Saikia clarified that not only has the board made no decision regarding participation, but the topic has not been raised internally.
“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. It may be said that BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, same will be announced through media,” Saikia concluded.
Context: India hosting 2025 Asia Cup, Sri Lanka to host Women’s event
India remains the scheduled host for the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup, to be played in the T20 format, while Sri Lanka is set to stage the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup next month. The uncertainty created by recent political developments and media speculation has stirred concern over the tournaments’ viability, but the BCCI’s position suggests that nothing has been ruled out or finalized.
With the BCCI making it clear that “any key decision” will be announced only after internal deliberations, the cricket world—and particularly the ACC—will be watching closely for any future developments.
