Key points
- Move widely perceived as politically motivated
- It has also cast uncertainty over Men’s Asia Cup 2025
- India refused to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: In a move widely perceived as politically motivated, India has decided to withdraw both its men’s and women’s cricket teams from the upcoming Asia Cup tournaments.
The move comes following a recent conflict between India and Pakistan.
It has also cast uncertainty over the Men’s Asia Cup 2025.
According to Indian media reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally communicated its decision to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), currently chaired by Pakistan’s Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The BCCI’s decision applies not only to the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, but also the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka Next month.
Criticism
Critics within cricketing circles suggest that this is yet another instance of India leveraging politics to isolate Pakistan in international sports, especially cricket.
They argue that such a withdrawal undermines the spirit of regional unity and the core values of the ACC.
India refused to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan this year, which was hosting its first major global tournament in almost 30 years.
