Uncertainty looms over the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup scheduled for September, following reports that India has withdrawn from the tournament.
According to The Indian Express, the BCCI has informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision to pull out from both the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in June and the Men’s Asia Cup in September.
The decision reportedly stems from rising tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after India’s recent military operation in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Sindoor, carried out by Indian forces, targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, following the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam.
A BCCI source stated that it was not appropriate for India to participate in a tournament overseen by a Pakistan minister, reflecting the current national sentiment.
The BCCI has verbally communicated its withdrawal to the ACC and is said to be in regular contact with the Indian government regarding participation in future events.
The 2025 Men’s Asia Cup was originally set to be hosted by India and played in the T20 format, ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.
India won the last edition of the Asia Cup in 2023, defeating Sri Lanka in the final held in Colombo.
The absence of India, which brings significant viewership and sponsorship, could lead to the cancellation of the entire tournament.
The previous Asia Cup used a Hybrid Model after India declined to travel to Pakistan, with all their matches held in Sri Lanka — a model also used for the ICC Champions Trophy.
