In a major update that has shaken cricket fans across the country, India has reportedly decided to pull out of the Men’s Asia Cup 2025. The tournament, which was scheduled for September this year, now faces uncertainty after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about India’s withdrawal.
This surprising move comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, and now fans are left wondering if the Asia Cup 2025 will even happen.
Why India Decided to Withdraw
According to reliable reports, India’s withdrawal is linked to growing political and military tensions with Pakistan. Recently, India carried out a strong military operation, named Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan. This action was taken after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 civilians lost their lives.
Sources say that the main reason behind BCCI’s decision is the current head of the ACC, Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). A BCCI official shared, “The Indian team cannot play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, which is being led by a Pakistani minister. That’s the sentiment of our nation.”
Not Just the Men’s Asia Cup
India has not only pulled out of the Men’s Asia Cup but has also backed out of the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2025, which was to be held in Sri Lanka in June. The BCCI has communicated its decisions to the ACC verbally and mentioned that future participation in any ACC events is currently on hold.
The board also added that they are in continuous discussion with the Indian government regarding the future of India’s participation in such tournaments.
Will the Asia Cup 2025 Be Cancelled?
With India deciding to step back, the very future of the Asia Cup seems to be in danger. The tournament was supposed to be played in the T20 format this year as preparation for the T20 World Cup next year. India was also scheduled to host the event.
Now, without Team India, the tournament may lose its charm and audience pull. The India vs Pakistan clash is the most-watched match in the Asia Cup, and without that, broadcasters and sponsors may lose interest.
To make things even more complicated, Sony Pictures Networks had signed a massive $170 million deal to broadcast the Asia Cup over the next eight years. If the tournament is cancelled or altered, this deal might have to be reworked.
Flashback to 2023: A Similar Situation
This is not the first time political tensions have affected the Asia Cup. In 2023, Pakistan was the original host, but the BCCI had refused to send the Indian team to play across the border. As a result, a hybrid model was used where all of India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka.
The same happened during the ICC Champions Trophy held earlier this year. Even though Pakistan hosted the event, all of India’s matches were moved to Dubai using a similar hybrid format.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans across India are reacting with mixed emotions. Some are supporting the decision due to national sentiment and security concerns. Others are disappointed as they were eagerly waiting for thrilling India-Pakistan matches, which are often the highlight of the Asia Cup.
People on social media are sharing their views, with many praising the government and BCCI for taking a stand. Others are calling for diplomatic solutions that don’t affect cricketing events.
What Happens Next?
For now, the BCCI seems firm in its decision, and the ACC must now decide whether to carry on with the Asia Cup without India or cancel it entirely. Meanwhile, fans are left hoping that cricket will not continue to suffer because of politics, though many understand that national security always comes first.
The Asia Cup has always been a celebration of cricket in Asia, but with growing India-Pakistan tensions, it may struggle to survive in its current format.
