(Image source from: x.com/BCCI)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made the determination that India will neither participate in nor host the Asia Cup 2025 due to escalating tensions with Pakistan, according to sources who spoke with India Today regarding the increasing geopolitical and military issues in the region. India and Sri Lanka were initially slated to co-host this year's tournament. Reports also indicate that the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which was set to occur next month in Sri Lanka, has been called off due to the ongoing conflicts between India and Pakistan. Regarding the Men’s Asia Cup scheduled for September, a conclusive decision will be reached during the forthcoming meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which is led by Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Nevertheless, insiders claim that India has already communicated to the ACC its intention to refrain from both playing in and hosting the event. The absence of India's participation raises the likelihood of the Asia Cup being either canceled or completely eliminated. Since Mohsin Naqvi currently chairs the ACC, he will be responsible for any financial repercussions stemming from this situation.
This development indicates a significant change in India's stance toward cricketing relations with Pakistan. India's decision to withdraw casts serious uncertainty on the prospects of this year's Asia Cup. The tournament was intended to be conducted in a T20 format at a neutral location, serving as a preparatory event for the 2026 T20 World Cup, featuring five countries: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. India is the reigning champion, having secured the title in 2023. A substantial portion of the tournament's financial support comes from Indian sponsors and broadcasters. For the 2024 Asia Cup events, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has reportedly acquired media rights worth USD 170 million over an eight-year period. The Asia Cup is allotted a 19-day timeframe in September this year, during which at least two matches between India and Pakistan were anticipated, alongside the potential for a final showdown, which would have ensured substantial advertising revenue for broadcasters.
In past instances, similar issues prompted the adoption of hybrid formats for multilateral tournaments. The 2023 Asia Cup was nominally hosted by Pakistan; however, all of India's games, including the final, took place exclusively in Sri Lanka. A comparable arrangement was utilized earlier this year during the ICC Champions Trophy, where India played their matches in Dubai rather than traveling to Pakistan. The announcement made on Monday further emphasizes India's ongoing hesitance to engage in bilateral series or any cricketing relations with Pakistan amid prevailing diplomatic tensions.
