No Ban, No Barriers – BCCI Clears India’s Participation Against Pakistan in Asia Cup
Quick Summary
- BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarifies India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025.
- Confirms there is no ban on playing Pakistan in multinational tournaments.
- Bilateral cricket with “hostile nations” remains off the table.
- India begin their campaign vs UAE on Sept 10, face Pakistan on Sept 14.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a major clarification on Saturday regarding India’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, especially the high-voltage clash against Pakistan. The BCCI reiterated that it strictly follows the central government’s guidelines and that there is no restriction on India competing against Pakistan or any other nation in multinational tournaments.
Speaking to Indian media, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the swirling debate surrounding India’s Asia Cup fixture. “The new policy clearly states that there is no restriction on playing against countries with which India does not maintain friendly relations,” Saikia confirmed.
He explained that India is fully permitted to face Pakistan in multinational events such as the Asia Cup or ICC tournaments. However, bilateral cricket between India and “hostile nations” will continue to remain suspended until further notice.
“So far as the BCCI’s view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalises. The policy clearly states that there are no restrictions on India playing against countries not on friendly terms with India. Therefore, India has to play all matches in any multinational tournament,” he added.
The secretary further highlighted that compliance with government policy ensures uniformity across all sports. “We are very happy to follow the policy, which is designed with every sport in mind. In multinational tournaments like the Asia Cup or ICC events, India is required to participate. However, for bilateral series, there will be no engagement with hostile nations,” Saikia stressed.
Importantly, he also warned that refusing to play against any side in such tournaments could invite sanctions from governing bodies. “We are following the policy framed by the Government of India and the Youth and Sports Development Department. The board is fully aligned with it,” he concluded.
The 15th edition of the Men’s Asia Cup will be played in the T20I format and features eight teams — Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE, and Hong Kong.
India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Oman, and hosts UAE. The Men in Blue begin their campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai, before clashing with arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14 at the same venue. They round off their group stage against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The top two from each group will progress to the Super Four stage, starting September 20. The grand final is scheduled for September 28.
With the BCCI’s latest clarification, fans can now look forward to yet another mouthwatering India vs Pakistan clash, which remains one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries despite off-field political tensions.
