The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that it will participate in the Asia Cup despite growing pressure from Indian politicians to boycott the tournament, Indian media reported on Sunday.
According to a report, the BCCI has no plans to withdraw from the event and remains firm on its earlier decision.
The board informed political leaders that the decision to take part in the Asia Cup was not made overnight but after two months of consultations.
The board has stressed that pulling out of the tournament could negatively affect India’s standing in international sports and harm its chances of hosting future global events.
Indian media further claimed that any boycott could have repercussions on India’s bids to host major competitions, including the Olympic Games 2036, the Commonwealth Games 2030, and the Youth Olympics 2032.
The BCCI has argued that refusing to play against a specific country in a multinational event would violate international sporting norms.
While decisions on bilateral series can be made between two nations, the board said, withdrawing from multinational tournaments is not an easy option.
Meanwhile, criticism from Indian politicians over the decision to play in the Asia Cup continues. Shiv Sena member of parliament Priyanka Chaturvedi strongly criticised both the BCCI and the government.
She questioned in her social media post, X formerly Twitter, why cricket with Pakistan is being allowed when trade and other relations remain suspended.
"Name and Shame every sponsor, broadcaster, streaming app that attempts to make money out of this India-Pak match.
"Because BCCI and GoI are shamelessly going ahead with this match, it leaves us Indian citizens to make our voices loud and clear," she remarked in a social media post.