BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday (May 19) clarified that any matter related to participation in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events has not come up for discussion at any level, adding that reports floating around are mere speculations.

Earlier in the day, multiple reports surfaced about the BCCI informing the ACC regarding its decision to pull out of the Women's Emerging Asia Cup in Sri Lanka next month and the Men's Asia Cup in September.

The reports emerged in the aftermath of India-Pakistan hostilities at the border, which also resulted in the brief suspension of IPL 2025 earlier this month.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ACC is currently headed by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also serving as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman.

"Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI's decision not to participate in Asia Cup and Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC's events. Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, 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 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 BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, same will be announced through media," said Saikia in a statement issued to IANS.

India have the hosting rights for the Men's Asia Cup, set to be played in T20 format this year. Apart from India and Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Oman are supposed to take part in the continental tournament.

The 2023 edition of the Men’s Asia Cup had also witnessed diplomatic tension between the two nations and the tournament was held in a hybrid model. While Pakistan had the hosting rights, India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka and ended up lifting the trophy.

This hybrid model was again adopted for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after India refused to travel to Pakistan. The Rohit Sharma-led side played their games in Dubai and went on to clinch the coveted title.