Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided that India will not play or host the Asia Cup 2025 amidst the growing tensions with Pakistan according to sources. Citing the escalating geopolitical and military tensions with Pakistan. India and Sri Lanka were supposed to host the tournament this year.
As for the Men’s Asia Cup in September, a final decision will be made at the upcoming ACC (Asian Cricket Council) meeting, which is headed by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi. However, sources suggest India has already informed the ACC that it will neither play in nor host the tournament.
The move signals a broader shift in India’s approach to cricketing ties with Pakistan. India’s withdrawal has put the future of this year’s Asia Cup in serious doubt. The tournament, which was scheduled to be played in a T20 format at a neutral venue as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, was set to feature five nations — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. India are the defending champions of the Asia Cup, having won the title in 2023.
A large chunk of the tournament’s financial backing comes from Indian sponsors and broadcasters. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) acquired the media rights to Asia Cup events in 2024 for a reported USD 170 million over eight years. In previous years, similar concerns led to hybrid models being adopted for multilateral tournaments.
The 2023 Asia Cup was technically hosted by Pakistan, but India’s matches — including the final — were played entirely in Sri Lanka. The same model was adopted earlier this year during the ICC Champions Trophy, with India playing their fixtures in Dubai instead of travelling to Pakistan.