'BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps' - Devajit Saikia rubbishes reports of India pulling out of ACC events

The recent India-Pakistan border skirmish has led to reports circulating which claimed that the BCCI has chosen to pull out of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup and has put the participation in the men's Asia Cup on hold.

The reports have been spreading since morning today. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has clarified that no such decision has been made regarding the team's participation in the tournaments, and there has been no such discussion on the matter as well. Saikia also denied any claims of communicating with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about the issue, and said that the board is currently focused on the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and the upcoming five-match Test series against England. 

“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 (Asian Cricket Council). At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women. It may be said that the BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced,” Saikia said as quoted by Sportstar.

India’s record in Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Asia Cup

India is currently the most successful team in the Asia Cup, where they have won a total of eight titles. The Men in Blue will be the defending champions going into the tournament, having won the title in 2023 after beating Sri Lanka in the final under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.

Speaking of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, it started in 2023 where it was the India A Women’s team which emerged victorious after beating Bangladesh A Women in the final by 31 runs in a low scoring encounter to emerge as the inaugural champions. The captain of the India A Women’s team was Shweta Sehrawat.