The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a major political and sporting stand by announcing its withdrawal from all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, effectively isolating Pakistan cricket on the continental stage. This drastic decision follows rising diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, with a particular focus on the leadership of the ACC, currently headed by Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi doubles as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. The BCCI’s stance sends a powerful message — India will not participate in cricketing events led by officials actively involved in the Pakistan government.

According to reports, the BCCI has officially communicated its decision to the ACC, starting with its withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka next month. The move also impacts the Men’s Asia Cup scheduled for September, which ironically was supposed to be hosted by India. This means India, as both host and participant, may abandon the tournament altogether. A senior BCCI official revealed that India is aligning its cricketing decisions with national sentiment and government consultation, stating, “The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC whose chief is a Pakistan minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation.”

The implications of this decision go far beyond just the sporting field. The Asia Cup, one of the most anticipated regional cricket tournaments, heavily relies on the India-Pakistan rivalry to draw in viewership and commercial value. In 2024, Sony Pictures Networks India inked a staggering $170 million media rights deal for the Asia Cup, banking on marquee matchups between the subcontinent’s arch-rivals. With India now pulling out, the tournament’s future hangs in the balance. Without Indian participation, broadcasters and sponsors are likely to rethink their commitments, potentially forcing a reevaluation or cancellation of the event.

This is not the first time diplomatic friction has affected cricket between the two nations. In 2023, BCCI refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, resulting in matches being moved to Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting model. Similarly, the 2024 Champions Trophy saw India’s matches relocated to Dubai, despite Pakistan being the official host. These repeated adjustments reflect how political tensions increasingly dictate cricketing logistics, disrupting schedules and straining relationships between cricket boards.

BCCI’s firm decision symbolizes a significant shift in India’s cricket diplomacy. While cricket is often seen as a bridge between hostile neighbors, this recent move indicates a closing of that window — at least under current circumstances. As India asserts its position on the global cricketing stage, aligning its sporting engagements with national security sentiments, the future of multi-nation tournaments like the Asia Cup remains uncertain. The ACC may now face an existential crisis, especially if other boards are forced to take sides or if commercial viability continues to diminish without India’s presence.

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Source : hindustantimes.com