India Pulls Out of Asia Cup Tournaments Over Pakistan’s Role in ACC

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has chosen to pull out of two major ACC tournaments. These include the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and the Men’s Asia Cup, both scheduled for later this year. This decision, reported by The Indian Express, comes at a time of increased political tensions between India and Pakistan.

Political Strain Triggers the Move

Recently, a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, along with a military clash, worsened ties between the two nations. As a result, the BCCI informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that it would not participate in the upcoming events.

BCCI Protests Pakistan Minister Leading ACC

Importantly, the ACC is now headed by Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chairman. This has become a key reason for India’s withdrawal. The BCCI believes playing under a Pakistan minister’s leadership goes against national sentiment.

A BCCI source told the newspaper, “The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC whose chief is a Pakistan minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation. We have verbally communicated to ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and our future participation in their events too is on hold. We are in constant touch with the Indian government.”

Naqvi Took Over from Sri Lankan Official

Previously, Shammi Silva of Sri Lanka Cricket served as the interim ACC chief. He held the position after Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, stepped down. Shah began his role as ICC Chairman on December 1, 2023.

Future of Men’s Asia Cup in Jeopardy

Consequently, the BCCI’s decision casts doubt on the Men’s Asia Cup. Though originally planned to be held in India, organizers had already considered shifting the venue to Sri Lanka or the UAE, likely due to the rising tension.

Sponsors Could Back Out

Moreover, India’s cricket team remains the biggest draw in global cricket. Without them, the tournament may lose its charm. If there’s no India-Pakistan match, many Indian sponsors could back out. This would likely hurt the tournament’s revenue and popularity.

Similar Conflict Occurred in 2023

Interestingly, a similar situation happened during the 2023 Asia Cup. Back then, Pakistan was set to host the entire event. It would have been the country’s first major multi-nation event since the 1996 World Cup.

However, the BCCI refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan. As a result, most matches—including the final—shifted to Sri Lanka, while Pakistan hosted only a few games.