BCCI Denies Reports of Withdrawing from Asia Cup

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed rumors about its withdrawal from the Asia Cup, stating that no discussions have taken place regarding this matter. The board is currently focused on the ongoing Indian Premier League and the upcoming Test series in England. Amid rising tensions following military operations in Pakistan, speculation about India's participation in the Asia Cup has increased. If India were to withdraw, it could significantly impact the tournament's financial viability, as Indian investors play a crucial role in its profitability. Read on for more details about BCCI's official statement and the implications of these developments.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 19, 2025, 18:10 IST

BCCI Clarifies Its Stance on Asia Cup Participation

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially refuted claims suggesting that it plans to withdraw from the Asia Cup. The board emphasized that there have been no discussions regarding such a decision. While it did not confirm any future collaborations, BCCI reiterated its commitment to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and the upcoming Test series in England. An official statement from BCCI, shared by Rev Sports Global on their X account, labeled the previous reports as "imaginary."

Since this morning, we have noticed various news articles regarding BCCI's supposed decision to not participate in the Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both events organized by the ACC. These reports are entirely false, as BCCI has not discussed or taken any steps regarding these events, nor have we communicated with the ACC. Our primary focus remains on the current IPL and the subsequent series in England, for both men and women.

The statement continued,

The topic of the Asia Cup or any other ACC event has not been discussed at any level, making any news or reports on this matter purely speculative and unfounded. Should BCCI engage in discussions regarding any ACC events and reach significant decisions, we will announce them through the media.

Uncertainty Surrounds India's Asia Cup Participation

Currently, the Asian Cricket Council is chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This dual role has fueled speculation about India's potential withdrawal from both the Men's and Women's Asia Cup.

Tensions have escalated following Operation Sindoor, a military initiative aimed at dismantling terrorist camps in Pakistan, which was a response to a horrific attack on tourists in Pahalgam.

If India were to withdraw, the tournament could face significant financial losses, as Indian investors primarily support the lucrative India-Pakistan matches. Additionally, Sony Entertainment, which is airing the Pakistan Super League, has secured hosting rights for the Asia Cup through an eight-year agreement reportedly valued at $170 million.