Recent media speculation stirred concerns over India's possible exit from upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, including the prestigious Asia Cup. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly denied these claims, calling them baseless. Here's a detailed look at the controversy, the BCCI’s official response, and its implications.
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| BCCI Dismisses Reports of Withdrawal from ACC Events Including Asia Cup 2025 |
🗣️ BCCI’s Official Statement
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia released a statement on May 19, 2025, countering claims about India's withdrawal from:
- The Men’s Asia Cup scheduled for September 2025.
- The Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup set to take place in Sri Lanka next month.
“Such news is devoid of any truth. Till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the upcoming ACC events,” Saikia clarified.
He also emphasized that the BCCI is currently focused on the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the upcoming Test series against England.
⚠️ Context and Controversy
○ Why the Rumors Surfaced
The reports emerged amidst strained India-Pakistan relations, especially after Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB Chairman, assumed leadership of the ACC. Some media outlets speculated that BCCI was aiming to isolate Pakistan cricket by pulling out of ACC events under Naqvi’s leadership.
However, the BCCI’s official denial strongly suggests no such political motive is in play — at least not officially.
📊 Media Coverage Timeline
Earlier on May 19, 2025, several reports (e.g., SportsTak, Indian Express) claimed BCCI had communicated its intention to withdraw from ACC events, possibly to avoid participating under Pakistan-led administration. However, later that afternoon, trusted outlets like Times of India, Inside Sport India, and Cricket Addictor published official denials from BCCI Secretary Saikia.
These denials clarified that the reports were speculative, and that no such discussions or decisions were taken within the board.
🌐 Geopolitical Backdrop and Historical Context
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2007 due to ongoing political tensions. All recent cricket matches between the two nations have occurred at ICC events on neutral grounds. The Asia Cup — often a flashpoint due to its format and hosting controversies — has a history of being influenced by political developments, which likely contributed to the speculation.
🧩 Implications for Cricket Fans and ACC
○ For Fans
- India vs Pakistan matches are among the most anticipated in world cricket.
- The possibility of India missing such events caused understandable concern across the cricketing world.
○ For ACC
- The Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup and Asia Cup 2025 remain on track.
- The clarification avoids disruption and reassures sponsors and broadcasters, many of whom are Indian.
The BCCI has officially refuted any withdrawal from ACC events like the Asia Cup 2025 or the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. The board has made it clear that no such discussions or decisions have taken place. As it stands, India remains committed to its ACC engagements, while political and diplomatic considerations continue to play a background role in cricket administration across South Asia.
- Times of India: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia denies withdrawal from ACC events
- Cricket Addictor: BCCI calls withdrawal reports baseless
- Inside Sport India: BCCI focused on IPL and England series
- Initial speculative reports from SportsTak and The Indian Express
