The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its withdrawal from all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, citing ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

This decision, reported by Indian media outlets such as The Indian Express, affects both the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the Men’s Asia Cup in September.

A BCCI source stated that the decision stems from the appointment of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi as the ACC president, asserting that India cannot participate in tournaments organized under Pakistani leadership. The reports also acknowledged that the BCCI’s withdrawal could significantly impact the Asia Cup’s viability, given that many international cricket sponsors are Indian.

The BCCI has reportedly communicated its decision to the ACC and indicated that future participation in ACC events is also uncertain.

This move is the latest escalation in the strained relationship between the cricketing bodies of India and Pakistan, mirroring past incidents. India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup led to a hybrid model being adopted, and in 2023, India played its ICC Champions Trophy matches in a neutral venue after refusing to travel to Pakistan, the original host. Earlier this month, India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, advocated for a complete suspension of all cricketing ties with Pakistan.