BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Puts Rumours To Rest, Rejects Claims Of India's Asia Cup Withdrawal

Asia Cup Cricket: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has put the speculation about India's withdrawal from the upcoming Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup and Men's Asia Cup to rest while rubbishing reports, stating that no such discussion has taken place within the board.

A media report, quoting sources, said that BCCI won't let Indian teams compete in the two Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events at a time when the cricket body is being headed by a Pakistani and just days back the two neighbouring nations were involved in a military conflict.

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"Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI's decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, the BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, leave alone writing anything to the ACC," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to PTI.

Saikia added that BCCI is focussed on ensuring the smooth conduct of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the upcoming five-match Test series against England beginning next month.

"At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and the subsequent England series, both men and women. The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, hence any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary."

"It may be said that the BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC event takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced through the media," he added. 

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“The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, hence any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary. It may be said that BCCI will announce in due course as and when any discussion on any ACC events should take place or any key decision is reached," he said.

According to multiple records, following the escalating cross-border tensions between the two neighbouring countries - India and Pakistan, the BCCI has informed the ACC of its decision to pull India out of the upcoming Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to be held next month in Sri Lanka, and the Men's Asia Cup, scheduled for September, despite India being the host nation for the latter.

Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also PCB Chairman, holds the position of President in the ACC.

Defending champions India are the hosts for the Men's Asia Cup, to be played in the T20 format, in September while Sri Lanka have been allotted the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup.