MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): In a move stirring controversy across the cricketing world, India has reportedly withdrawn both its men’s and women’s teams from the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 tournaments.
The decision, widely seen as politically driven, comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
According to Indian media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), currently chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, about its decision.
The BCCI cited the deteriorating political climate and recent military actions following the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, as key reasons for the withdrawal.
This move affects not only the Asia Cup 2025, but also the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, set to be hosted in Sri Lanka this June.
Cricket analysts and voices within Pakistan have criticised India’s decision, viewing it as another attempt to use political pressure to isolate Pakistan in international sport.
Some say these actions go against the goals of cooperation in the region and contradict the main values of the ACC.
With the withdrawal, the Asia Cup 2025 now faces uncertainty. The majority of sponsors and broadcasters for the World Cup are based in India. If India does not join, there is a worry that major participants might follow and cancel both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
It is not surprising that the tournament has found itself amid political debates before. The 2023 Asia Cup was conducted using a hybrid system because India would not play in Pakistan.
As a result, all of India’s matches, including the final, were shifted to Sri Lanka. A similar arrangement was used for the ICC Champions Trophy, with India playing its games in Dubai despite Pakistan being the official host.
The Asia Cup 2025, designed to be played in the T20 format as preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup, was expected to feature Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
However, with India pulling out, the tournament’s structure, scheduling, and sponsorship are now in serious doubt.
As political tensions spill onto the cricket pitch, the Asia Cup 2025 faces an uncertain road ahead, one that could reshape the regional cricketing calendar and its financial future.
