India May Skip Asia Cup 2025 Amid Strained Ties with Pakistan

India is likely to withdraw from both hosting and participating in the Asia Cup 2025 due to escalating tensions with Pakistan. Originally, India and Sri Lanka were expected to co-host the tournament, scheduled for September 2025 as a preparatory event ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2026. However, recent developments indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its decision to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), citing political sensitivities.

The situation will be formally addressed at the upcoming ACC meeting, chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi. Although no official announcement has been made yet, reports suggest that India's stance has already been conveyed to the ACC, signaling their intent to neither host nor send a team to the tournament.

India’s decision casts a shadow over the future of the Asia Cup 2025. With one of the region’s most influential teams opting out, the tournament could face cancellation, which would lead to significant financial implications for the ACC and participating nations. The uncertainty has also affected other cricketing events, such as the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which was reportedly set to be held in Sri Lanka but is now likely to be scrapped.

India’s potential withdrawal continues a longstanding policy of avoiding bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan since 2012-13 due to political tensions. This stance may also influence future ICC events, where India could refuse to play matches against Pakistan.

As diplomatic strains spill over into sports, the cricketing world watches closely to see how the ACC will navigate this complex situation and whether the Asia Cup can proceed without one of its key members.