India likely to pull out of Asia Cup 2025: reports

The 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in India later this year, faces growing uncertainty following reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to withdraw from the tournament due to ongoing political tensions with Pakistan.

According to Indian media reports, the BCCI has expressed reluctance to participate in both the Asia Cup, slated for September in India, and the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, scheduled for June in Sri Lanka.

The reported decision stems from Pakistan’s leadership in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), currently headed by Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

While no formal announcement has been made, the BCCI is said to have verbally communicated its position to the ACC. Internal consultations with the Indian government are reportedly ongoing, and a final decision is expected soon.

The move is seen as a response to recent political and security developments, including heightened tensions following a attack in IIOJK and subsequent military actions.

India and Pakistan have not engaged in bilateral cricket since 2013, with encounters limited to ICC and ACC multi-nation events at neutral venues. India, the defending Asia Cup champion, previously avoided traveling to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, choosing to play matches in Dubai instead.

The ACC has yet to issue an official response to the reported developments.