India has pulled out of Asia Cup 2025: reports

A major twist has emerged in the fate of the next Asia Cup, as Indian media reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from the upcoming tournament. 

Held every two years, the Asia Cup is known as a prestigious tournament, especially with the highly anticipated encounters between arch-rivals Pakistan and India.

According to Express Sports, India is unlikely to take part in the event due to the country's strained relationship with Pakistan.

Tensions between the two nations recently escalated after India carried out airstrikes under peration Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam incident on April 22. 

In retaliation, Pakistan responded with full force with the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets.

Pakistan's military operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos was launched in the early hours of May 10, striking several Indian military installations. By the time of Fajr, Pakistan had destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, an air base in Adampur, and an airfield in Pathankot. Later, Pakistani drones flew over New Delhi. Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jets destroyed India's $1.5 billion S-400 missile defence system in Adampur.

The BCCI is also reportedly unhappy with the fact that Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, is currently serving as the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which organises the tournament. This has reportedly played a role in their decision to withdraw.

"The Indian team can't play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, the chief of which is a Pakistani minister. 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," Express Sports quoted a source as saying.

The Asia Cup has been one of the most respected cricket tournaments in the region. But with India pulling out and the absence of the high-voltage Pakistan vs India clash, the tournament may lose much of its charm.

Since many of the event's sponsors are from India, there is also a possibility that the Asian Cricket Council may cancel or delay the tournament. As of now, the future of the Asia Cup remains uncertain, and all eyes are on what happens next.