Following widespread rumors about Team India withdrawing from the Asia Cup 2025 and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially denied these claims.
According to a media report, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the rumors, confirming that no such decision has been made.
Several reports claimed that the BCCI was considering withdrawing from the 2025 Asia Cup due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan following recent geopolitical events, including the Pahalgam terror attack. According to The Indian Express, the BCCI had reportedly informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about its intention to pull out of the upcoming tournaments.
BCCI Has Not Discussed or Taken Any Such Steps: Devajit Saikia on Asia Cup Withdrawal Rumors
Hours later, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the rumours, saying, “Since this morning, we have noticed news reports claiming that BCCI has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. These reports are completely false, as BCCI has neither discussed nor taken any such steps regarding the upcoming ACC tournaments, nor has it sent any communication to the ACC.
He further added, as quoted by Cricbuzz, ‘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. It may be said that BCCI will announce in due course as and when any discussion on any ACC events should take place or any key decision is reached.’ The BCCI Secretary further added that currently the Indian cricket board is focussed on the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and the upcoming England tour.
The Asia Cup 2025 is set for September in India and will serve as preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The six-team event will follow a hybrid format, with India refusing to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, leading to their matches being played in Dubai.