BCCI Cuts Ties with Asia Cup Events Amid Political Tensions
In a significant and politically charged move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from all upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, citing national sentiment and geopolitical issues as the driving force behind the decision.
The development follows the brief suspension of IPL 2025 due to the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. According to a report by The Indian Express, the BCCI has formally communicated its decision to the ACC and will not participate in the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup scheduled in Sri Lanka next month or the Men’s Asia Cup slated for September.
The decision carries substantial ramifications for the ACC, which is currently chaired by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds the position of PCB chairman.
“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,” a senior BCCI official told The Indian Express. “We have verbally communicated to the 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.”
Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in Doubt
India was slated to host the Men’s Asia Cup in September, featuring teams from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. However, with India’s exit, the tournament now faces serious logistical and commercial uncertainty.
Sponsors are reportedly concerned, as India represents the largest market in Asian cricket. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) had signed a $170 million rights deal for the Asia Cup in 2024, set to run for eight years. Without India’s participation, this agreement may have to be renegotiated.
Financial Implications
According to the report, ACC full members — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan — each receive 15% of the revenue from the Asia Cup’s broadcast deal. The remaining is distributed among associate and affiliate members. India’s absence would not only impact the tournament’s competitiveness but also jeopardize financial distributions and broadcaster interest.
A Pattern of Diplomatic Tension
This isn’t the first time India and Pakistan’s strained political ties have impacted cricket. The 2023 edition of the Men’s Asia Cup was conducted in a hybrid format, with India refusing to play in Pakistan and instead completing their matches in Sri Lanka.
The ACC, formed in 1983 to develop and promote cricket in Asia, has seen growing political friction over the last few years. Its former president, Jay Shah, now serves as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
With India’s exit, the future of continental tournaments under the ACC umbrella now hangs in the balance — both in terms of participation and revenue.
