BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia issues official statement on India’s withdrawal from ACC events

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia has issued an official statement on recent reports suggesting that Team India might withdraw from the upcoming ACC tournaments. Saikia stated that no discussions have taken place at any level regarding a pullout from ACC tournaments.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the BCCI has notified the Asian Cricket Council of its intention to pull out of two upcoming tournaments, including the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. The Men's Asia Cup is scheduled for September, with India being the designated host.

BCCI Has Not Even Discussed or Taken Any Such Steps - Devajit Saikia

However, the BCCI has denied media speculation regarding skipping upcoming Asian Cricket Council events. Devajit Saikia stated that no discussions have been held regarding such a withdrawal and called the reports baseless.

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"Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI's decision not to participate in Asia Cup and Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC's events. Such news are devoid of any truth as till now BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the upcoming ACC events, leave alone writing anything to the ACC," Saikia told Cricbuzz.

"At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women," he further said.

That Is Purely Speculative and Imaginary - Devajit Saikia

Devajit Saikia said that the board has not considered withdrawing from any Asian Cricket Council tournaments. He said that the full focus is currently on the IPL and the upcoming England tour. He added that the board will make an announcement when any decisions regarding ACC events are made.

"The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, hence any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary. It may be said that BCCI will announce in due course as and when any discussion on any ACC events should take place or any key decision is reached," Saikia signed off.

The Asia Cup 2025 Scheduled to Be Played in a T20 Format

Since the launch of Operation Sindoor by Indian forces, there are concerns over whether the Asia Cup and the upcoming second edition of the Emerging Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka will proceed as planned.

The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be played in a T20 format as crucial preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The competition was set to include five countries: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. India are expected to defend their title in this edition.

The Indian board declined to send its team to Pakistan due to security and political reasons in 2025. Sri Lanka was chosen as a co-host to host all of India’s matches. This model was adopted during the Champions Trophy 2025, where Dubai hosted all of India’s games despite Pakistan being the official host.

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