The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on May 19, 2025, that the Indian men\’s team will not participate in the Men\’s Asia Cup 2025. Neither will participate in the Women\’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup set to begin next month in Sri Lanka.
Amid the rising geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, India has withdrawn from the Men\’s Asia Cup. This will be the first absence of the Indian team from the tournament since 1984.
Political Strain Clouds Cricketing Bonds
According to a report by cricket journalist Mufaddal Vohra, Team India has decided to pull out of the Asia Cup 2025, citing political sensitivities and leadership issues within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
🚨 INDIA OPTS OUT FROM ASIA CUP. 🚨
– The BCCI decides to not participate in the upcoming Asia Cup. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/DARU2lameb
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2025
The prime catalyst for India’s decision is the ACC’s current leadership under Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). A top BCCI source stated, “The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, whose chief is a Pakistan minister.”
India has verbally communicated its withdrawal from the tournament and placed future ACC events on hold. The BCCI is said to be in constant coordination with the Indian government regarding this matter, emphasizing that national sentiment is a key influence in the decision.
As tensions rise, India has chosen to put player safety and national sentiment above cricketing ties. This decision comes in the wake of recent events like the Pahalgam terror attack, which has been linked to Pakistan. India\’s response, Operation Sindoor, has further strained relations between the two countries.
Commercial Fallout and Revenue Impact
India\’s pullout from the Asia Cup 2025 deals a major setback to broadcasting and sponsorship revenue. Broadcasters like Sony Pictures Networks India, who invested $170 million USD in media rights anticipating high viewership—especially for the India-Pakistan match—now face uncertainty. Sponsors may seek withdrawals or renegotiations.
Moreover, this would reduce the rights fees by up to 40% with Team India\’s absence. Additionally, ticket sales and merchandise income will vanish, decreasing overall tournament revenue.
Developing teams risks losing money, which may compromise development plans that rely on ACC sponsorships. Hence, reducing broadcast quality, and discouraging grassroots cricket programs in Asia.
