BCCI Isolates Pakistan With Stunning Asia Cup Move, Report Says Board Set To …

By Admin

19 May, 2025

In a bold and decisive move that has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning to withdraw from the upcoming Asia Cup, a decision that seems heavily influenced by the growing political tension between India and Pakistan. According to recent reports, this could be the BCCI’s latest strategy to diplomatically isolate Pakistan on the international cricket stage.

Cricket Amid Border Tensions

The recent surge in hostilities along the India-Pakistan border has not only affected political relations but has also taken a toll on sports diplomacy. The two nations, who have already refrained from playing bilateral cricket since 2012-13, now find themselves at odds even in multi-nation tournaments. With a Pakistani minister, Mohsin Naqvi—who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board—now heading the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), India’s cricketing body has signaled discomfort in engaging with ACC-hosted events.

Asia Cup 2025 in Doubt

Though the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held in India, the absence of a marquee India vs Pakistan clash drastically reduces the commercial appeal of the event. These high-octane encounters are the biggest draw for sponsors and broadcasters alike, often dictating the financial success of the tournament. The BCCI reportedly believes that participating in a tournament governed by a Pakistani official sends the wrong message, especially given the current national sentiment.

According to a source quoted by The Indian Express, "The Indian team can't play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, whose chief is a Pakistani 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."

Economic Fallout for ACC

This decision is likely to have significant economic repercussions for the ACC. India, being the largest cricket market in Asia, brings in a lion’s share of the tournament’s revenue through sponsorships and viewership. The last Asia Cup's media rights were bought by Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) for a whopping $170 million in 2024. If the tournament is canceled or if India withdraws, the financial structure of the deal could face serious revisions.

A Precedent Set in 2023

In 2023, the Asia Cup followed a hybrid hosting model due to political sensitivities, with matches split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India emerged victorious in the final held in Colombo, while Pakistan failed to make the cut. However, this patchwork approach may no longer suffice given the worsening diplomatic scenario.

Looking Ahead

The BCCI’s move to isolate Pakistan on the cricketing front is as much a political message as it is a sporting decision. As cricket increasingly mirrors geopolitical realities, this stance by India could set a new precedent for how sports and national interest intersect on the global stage.

With the Asia Cup hanging in the balance and bilateral ties still frozen, it remains to be seen how other Asian cricketing nations like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan navigate the ripple effects of this high-stakes standoff.