BCCI rubbishes reports of India skipping men’s and women’s Asia Cups

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) firmly denied media reports claiming that India intends to withdraw from the upcoming Men`s Asia Cup and the Women`s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, in response to escalating political tensions with Pakistan.

Following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam of South Kashmir on April 22, cross-border hostilities between India and Pakistan have intensified, raising questions about the future of bilateral cricketing ties. However, the BCCI has clarified that no official discussions or decisions have been made regarding India’s participation in the aforementioned continental tournaments.

Terming the reports as `speculative` and `imaginary`, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the matter has not been raised within the board and dismissed suggestions of any formal communication with the ACC.

“Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI`s decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women`s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, the BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, leave alone writing anything to the ACC,” Saikia told PTI.

The media speculation stems from unnamed sources suggesting that India’s decision to boycott these events was motivated by current political strains and the fact that the ACC is presently led by a Pakistani official. Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and also the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), currently serves as President of the ACC.

India, who are the defending champions, are scheduled to host the Men`s Asia Cup in September, which will be contested in the T20 format. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have been designated as the host nation for the Women`s Emerging Teams Asia Cup.

Saikia emphasised that BCCI’s current priorities lie elsewhere, namely, the successful execution of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season and preparations for the upcoming five-Test home series against England, set to commence next month.

“At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and the subsequent England series, both men and women. 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 the BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC event takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced through the media,” he reiterated.

(With PTI inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day