The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, including the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the Men’s Asia Cup scheduled for September, Indian media reported on May 19, 2025.
This decision follows a spike in political tensions between India and Pakistan, and comes soon after Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi, who is also a federal minister and PCB Chairman, took over as ACC President. BCCI sources told The Indian Express that it is not acceptable for Indian teams to participate in a tournament headed by a Pakistani official, claiming it reflects the “sentiment of the nation.”
The BCCI has reportedly communicated its decision to the ACC verbally, while keeping in contact with the Indian government for further guidance. Officials hinted that India’s future involvement in any ACC event is now on indefinite hold.
The move is also being seen as part of a larger effort to politically and commercially isolate Pakistan cricket. BCCI insiders pointed out that without India, major ACC tournaments may not be financially viable, as a large portion of sponsorship and broadcasting revenue comes from India.
Tensions have disrupted India-Pakistan cricket ties for years. India last played a bilateral series with Pakistan in 2007, and all recent matches have occurred only in neutral venues during ICC events. The 2023 Asia Cup was held under a hybrid model after BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan, the original host. Most recently, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir publicly supported a total cricketing boycott of Pakistan.