The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from two major cricket tournaments. These include the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and the Men’s Asia Cup, both scheduled for later this year. The Indian Express first reported this decision.

Rising Tensions Trigger Exit

Recently, relations between India and Pakistan have worsened. A terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, along with fresh military clashes, has raised tensions. As a result, the BCCI informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that India would not take part in these tournaments.

Pakistan's Role in ACC Adds to India's Concerns

Currently, Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, leads the ACC. He also serves as Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister. Due to this, India’s board views participating in ACC events as inappropriate.

BCCI Shares National Sentiment

A BCCI official explained the board’s view clearly,“The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC whose chief is a Pakistan minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation. We have verbally communicated to ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and our future participation in their events too is on hold. We are in constant touch with the Indian government,” the official told agencies.

Leadership Change in ACC

Last month, Naqvi replaced Shammi Silva, who was serving as ACC president temporarily. Before him, Jay Shah, BCCI’s secretary, led the ACC. Shah stepped down when he became ICC Chairman in December.

Asia Cup Now in Doubt

Originally, India was set to host the Asia Cup in the T20 format. However, due to political tension, the venue was expected to shift to UAE or Sri Lanka. Now, India’s withdrawal has thrown the tournament’s future into uncertainty.

Loss of India May Hurt Sponsorship

India is the most popular cricket team. Without them, broadcasters and sponsors could lose interest. Especially, Indian sponsors may pull out. Consequently, this could lead to the tournament being cancelled or scaled down.

History Repeats from 2023

Interestingly, a similar issue happened during the 2023 Asia Cup. Back then, Pakistan was supposed to host the whole tournament. However, India refused to travel there. Eventually, most matches, including the final, took place in Sri Lanka. Only a few were played in Pakistan.