BCCI denies reports of withdrawal from Asia Cup tournaments amid India-Pakistan border tensions

Amid recent border tensions between India and Pakistan, speculation swirled on social media and news platforms that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had decided to pull out of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup and was reconsidering its participation in the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup. However, the BCCI has categorically denied these reports, calling them baseless and premature.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stepped forward to clear the air, stating that no formal discussions or decisions have been taken regarding India's participation in any Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events. He emphasized that the board has not communicated with the ACC on the matter, refuting claims that India has opted out of any tournaments due to recent geopolitical developments.

“No such decision or discussion,” confirms BCCI

In an official statement to Sportstar, Saikia said,

“Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women.”

He further added that any significant decisions regarding ACC events, should they arise, will be formally communicated to the public through official channels.

This clarification comes after widespread reports earlier today suggested that the BCCI had decided to withdraw the Indian teams from Asian competitions as a response to rising border tensions. The speculation prompted a wave of concern among cricket fans and officials across the region, making the BCCI’s clarification all the more crucial.

India’s dominance in Asia Cup tournaments

India has a rich legacy in Asian cricket tournaments, particularly the Asia Cup. The Indian men’s team remains the most successful side in the tournament’s history, with eight titles to their name. They are also the defending champions, having defeated Sri Lanka in a dominant performance during the 2023 final under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.

In the women’s circuit, India made an emphatic mark when the India A Women’s team clinched the inaugural Women’s Emerging Asia Cup title in 2023. Led by the young and promising Shweta Sehrawat, the team defeated Bangladesh A Women by 31 runs in a tense, low-scoring final to etch their name in history.