 "How many times Asia Cup has been impacted due to India-Pakistan tensions?")
Tensions between India and Pakistan have once again brought doubt over the future of the Asia Cup. A report this week claimed that the BCCI has decided to pull out of all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments, including the Asia Cup 2025. This comes after India and Pakistan were involved in a military conflict following New Delhi’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack with Operation Sindoor.
Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia later clarified that no such discussion has officially happened yet, the rumour has already started raising questions about India’s participation in the Men’s Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Asia Cup. This is not the first time that India-Pakistan tensions have impacted the tournament.
Here’s a look at all the times the ACC Asia Cup was either cancelled, shifted or boycotted due to strained ties between India and Pakistan.
1990–91 Asia Cup: Pakistan pulled out
The 1990-91 Asia Cup tournament was held in India but Pakistan chose not to participate because of political tensions between the two nations. India went on to win the tournament after beating Sri Lanka in the final.
1993 Asia Cup: Cancelled altogether
This 1993 edition of the Asia Cup was fully cancelled due to worsening relations between India and Pakistan. It is the only time when the Asia Cup was cancelled due to India-Pakistan tensions.
2018 Asia Cup: Moved from India to UAE
The 2018 Asia Cup was originally planned to be held in India. But due to political issues with Pakistan, it was shifted to the UAE. India remained the host officially, but all matches were played in neutral venues. India won the title that year too.
2023 Asia Cup: Played in hybrid model
Pakistan was awarded hosting rights of the 2023 Asia Cup but India refused to travel to the country. After many rounds of talks, a hybrid model was agreed upon. India played all their matches in Sri Lanka while Pakistan hosted a few games. India once again went on to win the title.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts2025 Asia Cup: Doubt over India’s participation
Now in 2025, tensions have resurfaced, and a report suggests the BCCI has informed the ACC about their unwillingness to participate in ACC tournaments under the current chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who is also a Pakistan government minister. The BCCI has reportedly pulled out of the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup next month as well.
Although BCCI has denied any final decision and the ACC has also not confirmed anything, fans are concerned if the tournament will be impacted once again.
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