The relationship between India and Pakistan has reached a historic low. While India and Pakistan's relationship was not cordial for the past many years, it deteriorated even more after the Pahalgam Terror Attack in which 26 innocent tourists were gunned down. According to the intelligence received by Indian authorities, the links of the Pahalgam Terror Attack were traced inside Pakistan. As a result, India launched Operation Sindoor in which it targeted 9 terror launchpads operating in Pakistan and PoK. Instead of supporting New Delhi over terrorism, Islamabad exposed itself by escalating tensions, launching failed missile and drone attacks on India.
As the diplomatic relationship between the countries has hit rock bottom, the tension has now started to spread in the cricketing world. It seems like cricketing fans will no longer be able to see India vs Pakistan cricket matches. India and Pakistan were expected to face each other in the Asia Cup 2025 in September, but now BCCI has reportedly pulled out of the tournament as ACC is currently headed by Pakistan's Interior Minister & PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025
As per the Indian Express report that quoted a BCCI source who informed, "The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC whose chief is a Pakistan minister." The BCCI official further informed, “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."
For the unversed, India was slated to Asia Cup 2025, which was supposed to be played in a T20 format. It was said to be a big build-up given the next year’s T20 World Cup. The tournament was last held in 2023 when India defeated Sri Lanka to become the champions.
Considering the majority of sponsors of the Asia Cup are from India, BCCI’s decision could very well result in the tournament being cancelled. Besides India, the competition was also set to feature Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The previous edition of the Asia Cup was hosted by Pakistan, but BCCI’s refusal to send its team across the border resulted in the tournament being played in a Hybrid Model.
Similarly, the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year also employed the Hybrid Model, with India playing all their matches in Dubai.