BCCI Pulls India Out Of Asia Cup, Citing Political Tensions
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a big decision regarding the Asia Cup amid rising political tensions between India and Pakistan, the BCCI has decided to stay away from multinational tournaments like the Asia Cup for the time being. Under this decision, Team India will not participate in the Asia Cup in the coming time. The BCCI has also informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding this matter. According to a report, the BCCI is also considering excluding India from the Women's Emerging Asia Cup to be held in Sri Lanka next month. Apart from this, Team India is also likely to stay out of the proposed Men's Asia Cup in September. The ACC is currently chaired by Pakistan Sports Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is believed to be one of the main reasons for this controversy.
According to sources, the BCCI has taken this step as part of a strategy to isolate Pakistan cricket on the international stage. A senior official associated with the BCCI said,
"The Indian team will not take part in a tournament which is in the hands of a Pakistani minister. It is an issue related to the sentiments of the country. He also informed that the BCCI has verbally informed the ACC that India is withdrawing from the Emerging Asia Cup and participation in such tournaments will be put on hold in the future as well."
According to sources, the BCCI is in constant touch with the Government of India on this whole matter and this decision has been taken only with the consent of the government. It is clear that this is not just a matter of sports, but a decision related to national policy and diplomatic point of view. This stance of the BCCI has deepened the uncertainty about the Men's Asia Cup to be held in September. The report quoted sources as saying that if India is left out of this tournament, then both the attractiveness and commercial value of the Asia Cup will be badly affected. The India-Pakistan contest is not only a high-voltage drama for millions of viewers but also the biggest revenue source for broadcasters and sponsors.