BCCI Affirms Asia Cup Participation After Deliberation

Despite mounting pressure from Indian political figures to boycott the tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed its participation in the Asia Cup. Sources indicate the BCCI stands by its original choice to participate in the event.

The BCCI communicated to political leaders that the decision to participate in the Asia Cup followed two months of extensive discussions, emphasizing it was not a spontaneous choice.

The board underlined that withdrawing from the competition could adversely impact India’s position in international sports and damage its prospects for hosting future global competitions.

It has been suggested that a boycott could jeopardize India’s ambitions to host significant events, such as the Olympic Games 2036, the Commonwealth Games 2030, and the Youth Olympics 2032.

The BCCI has asserted that declining to compete against a specific nation in a multinational event would breach international sporting regulations.

The board clarified that while decisions regarding bilateral series can be determined between two countries, withdrawing from multinational tournaments presents a complex challenge.

Meanwhile, Indian politicians continue to express disapproval over the choice to play in the Asia Cup. Priyanka Chaturvedi, a Shiv Sena member of parliament, voiced strong criticism of both the BCCI and the government.

In a post on social media, she questioned the permissibility of cricket matches with Pakistan while trade and other relations remain suspended.

“Publicly denounce every sponsor, broadcaster, and streaming service seeking to profit from this India-Pakistan match,” she stated in a social media post.

“Because the BCCI and the Government of India are proceeding with this match without shame, it is up to us, the Indian citizens, to make our voices heard,” she added.

The Asia Cup 2025 will utilize the T20 format, providing a crucial preparatory platform for teams leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host in February.

A total of eight teams, split into two groups, will compete for the title. Pakistan and India are in Group A, alongside the UAE and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

The tournament commences on September 9 with a Group B match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Pakistan is scheduled to begin its campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by the high-profile match against India on September 14. Their last group-stage match is on September 17 against the UAE.

Complete schedule of ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025

Super Four Stage:

September 28: Final