New Delhi: In a significant move amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from all upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events. This includes the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka next month and the Men’s Asia Cup scheduled for September.
The ACC is currently chaired by Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi a key reason behind the BCCI’s decision. A senior BCCI official stated that India cannot participate in tournaments led by a Pakistani minister, citing national sentiment and ongoing coordination with the Indian government.
The BCCI’s stance casts serious doubt over the Men’s Asia Cup, which India was set to host. Without India’s participation, the tournament’s commercial viability is uncertain, particularly given the high-profile India-Pakistan matches that attract major sponsors and broadcasters. Sony Pictures Networks India had acquired Asia Cup rights for eight years at a reported $170 million.
This isn’t the first disruption caused by India-Pakistan tensions. Similar issues impacted the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2024 ICC Champions Trophy, both of which saw India insist on hybrid hosting models, avoiding travel to Pakistan.
Founded in 1983, the ACC plays a vital role in developing cricket across Asia. However, with geopolitical tensions spilling into the sport, the future of regional tournaments remains in jeopardy.
