The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rubbished reports of withdrawal from the Asia Cup later this year in the aftermath of the recent India-Pakistan tensions. On Monday, an Indian Express report stated that the BCCI has decided to stay away from all the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) events. 

The report also stated that the BCCI has written to the ACC about its decision to withdraw from the men’s Asia Cup in September as well as the women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in next month to be hosted by Sri Lanka. After Jay Shah’s resignation, the ACC is currently headed by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi. 

Reacting to the reports of BCCI’s withdrawal from ACC events, secretary Devajit Saikia denied all reports. “Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news reports that the BCCI has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both of which are ACC events. Such news are devoid of any truth as till now,” Saikia told ANI.

“BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men’s and women’s,” he added. 

Defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament, India are scheduled to host the tournament in this year. Besides host India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Oman and United Arab Emirates are the qualified teams.