Monitoring Desk
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has categorically denied media reports claiming it is pulling out of upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, including the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the prestigious Men’s Asia Cup scheduled for September.
The clarification comes after The Indian Express, citing unnamed sources, reported that the BCCI had informed the ACC of its decision to skip the tournaments, allegedly in protest against Pakistan Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recent appointment as ACC President. The report claimed the move aimed to “isolate Pakistan cricket,” with the source stating: “The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC whose chief is a Pakistan minister.”
The outlet further noted that while India’s absence would be a significant setback for the tournaments—given Indian sponsors’ heavy involvement—the BCCI was willing to risk that consequence.
However, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia refuted the report, telling news agency ANI that the board had neither discussed nor taken any such decision.
“Such news is devoid of any truth. BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the upcoming ACC events, let alone communicating anything to the ACC,” Saikia said.
He added, “Our current focus is on the ongoing IPL and the upcoming England series for both men’s and women’s teams. Any discussion on the Asia Cup or other ACC events has not occurred at any level within the BCCI. These reports are purely speculative and imaginary.”
The speculation reignited the debate over cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, which have been suspended since 2007 due to political tensions. The two nations only face each other in multi-nation events, usually at neutral venues.
Earlier this month, Indian men’s team head coach Gautam Gambhir called for a complete halt to cricketing engagements with Pakistan, including participation in the Asia Cup and ICC events.
In 2023, a similar impasse over the Asia Cup was resolved through a “hybrid model” after India refused to play in Pakistan. Matches were eventually split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
