This year, India Cricket team will may not play the Asia Cup 2025 tournament. Board of control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided that India will not play or host the Asia Cup2025 due to escalating geopolitical and military tensions with Pakistan. According to sources cited by India Today, this move marks a significant shift in India’s approach to cricketing ties with its neighboring country.
“The Indian team cannot participate in a tournament organized by the ACC while its president is a minister from Pakistan. This reflects the sentiment of the nation,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express. “We have verbally informed the ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and our participation in future ACC events is currently on hold. We are in regular communication with the Indian government on this matter.”
India Withdraws from Asia Cup 2025 and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup
India and Sri Lanka, originally slated to co-host the Asia Cup 2025, but mounting political tensions have forced a change in plans. The BCCI has already informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) — currently chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi — that India will not participate in or host the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup, scheduled for September.
In addition, the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which scheduled to take place next month in Sri Lanka, has reportedly cancelled amidst the ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Pakistan.
Final Decision Awaited, But India’s Stand May Lead to Cancellation
While a final call on the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, expected to be taken at the next ACC meeting, sources say that India’s firm stance has already made its participation unlikely. Without India’s involvement, the Asia Cup 2025 may either be cancelled or postponed indefinitely, as India remains the tournament’s biggest financial contributor.
With Mohsin Naqvi at the helm of the ACC, reports suggest that financial losses resulting from India’s withdrawal may have to be borne by him or the ACC leadership.
Why India Decide to be out of Asia Cup 2025?
The withdrawal of the Asia Cup 2025 ma closely heels of Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation held by India in Pakistan, where 9 terrorist camp destroyed. The operation conducted after Pahalgam Terrorist attack, where 26 tourist killed in open fire. the ACC is currently led by Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi, and reports suggest that the BCCI is unwilling to participate in any tournament organized under his leadership.
Impact on Asia Cup 2025: A Blow to Sponsors and Broadcasters
India’s absence from the tournament could have massive financial repercussions. A large share of the Asia Cup’s revenue comes from Indian sponsors and broadcasters. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), which acquired broadcasting rights for Asia Cup events in 2024 for a staggering USD 170 million over eight years, stands to lose substantial revenue from advertising, especially with two high-stakes India vs Pakistan matches and a potential final now off the table.
