BCCI refutes claims of pulling out of Asia Cup amid India-Pakistan conflict: 'Such news devoid of any truth'
The BCCI denied all reports of pulling out of the upcoming Asia Cup, saying this particular matter has not even come up for discussion.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put an end to rumours of India pulling out of the upcoming Men's Asia Cup, which is slated to take place in India later this year. As per several reports, the BCCI decided to stay away from all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments following the recent escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists.
In a statement shared with Hindustan Times, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the board has taken no decision regarding the upcoming Asia Cup, stating that the focus primarily remains on the ongoing 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the upcoming men's and women's tours of England.
"Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI's decision not to participate in Asia Cup and Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding ensuing ACC events," the BCCI secretary stated.
"Leave alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women," he added further.
A report earlier in the day claimed that the BCCI has already informed the ACC about their decision to withdraw from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka next month and the Men's Asia Cup in September. However, the BCCI secretary denied all these claims, saying the Asia Cup matter has not even been discussed. He also dismissed the report as "speculative and imaginary."
"The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level. Hence, any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary," he said. "It may be said that BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, same will be announced through media," he added.
What will happen with the Asia Cup?
Ever since the terror attack in Pahalgam, calls have been growing for India to boycott all cricket matches against Pakistan. The two teams have not played a bilateral series against one another since 2012. However, they have constantly clashed in the ICC and ACC events.
India last played against Pakistan in the 2025 Men's Champions Trophy where both teams were clubbed in the same group. The match took place in Dubai after India refused to tour Pakistan, citing security concerns.
After the terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Amid the rising tensions, there has been intense speculation about the future of the Asia Cup.
It must be mentioned that ACC is currently headed by Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). In 2021, the rights for the Asia Cup were bagged by Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) for the next eight years for USD 170 million. If the tournament does not go ahead as planned, there are chances that this deal might be re-worked.
Asia Cup's last edition was held last year. The tournament was affected due to the tensions between India and Pakistan as the BCCI refused to cross the border for the tournament. The board eventually ensured that India played their matches in Sri Lanka.
