Impact of India-Pakistan Tensions on Cricket Relations

The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan are casting a shadow over their cricketing relationship, with the BCCI reportedly considering withdrawal from upcoming ACC events. As political relations worsen, the future of bilateral cricket remains uncertain. BCCI Secretary Devjeet Saikia has clarified that no official decisions have been made regarding participation in the Asia Cup or other events. The board's current focus is on the IPL and upcoming series against England. This situation raises questions about the future of cricket ties between the two nations amidst escalating political hostilities.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 19, 2025, 15:46 IST

Long-Term Effects on Cricket Ties

Recent hostilities along the border between India and Pakistan are expected to have lasting repercussions on the cricketing relationship between the two nations. With both countries already hesitant to engage in bilateral cricket, the deteriorating political climate has jeopardized the organization of several matches between their teams. Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from all events organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the time being.

Clarification from BCCI

It has also been reported that the BCCI informed the ACC about its decision to withdraw from the Women's Emerging Team Asia Cup scheduled in Sri Lanka next month, as well as the biennial Men's Asia Cup set for September. However, the BCCI has since issued a clarification. BCCI Secretary Devjeet Saikia stated that they have been made aware of rumors regarding their non-participation in the Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Team Asia Cup, both of which are ACC events.

BCCI's Focus on Current Events

Saikia emphasized that there is currently no truth to these reports. The BCCI has neither discussed upcoming ACC events nor taken any steps regarding them, let alone communicated anything in writing to the ACC. Their primary focus remains on the ongoing IPL and the subsequent series against England, for both men and women. He added that the Asia Cup or any other ACC event has not been a topic of discussion at any level, making any news or reports on the matter purely speculative. The BCCI will announce any significant decisions regarding ACC events through the media when discussions occur.