India's Asia Cup Exit Rumours Denied: BCCI Refers to Reports as 'Speculative and Imaginary'

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly refuted widespread media allegations of India withdrawing from the forthcoming Men's Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia made it clear that no such withdrawal had even been considered, let alone conveyed to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

This strong rebuttal comes after several outlets claimed the BCCI had decided to opt out of both tournaments, citing heightened tensions between India and Pakistan and the ACC’s current leadership by Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi. However, Saikia emphasized that the BCCI’s current focus remains on the ongoing Indian Premier League and the forthcoming bilateral series against England for both men and women.

The Asia Cup, to be held by India in September, and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, to be held in Sri Lanka next month, are still on the agenda of the BCCI. Saikia again clarified that all news regarding India's withdrawal is speculative and wishful thinking and no official discussion or decision has been taken on it. The BCCI promised to inform any major decisions on ACC events openly through proper channels.

Sources: Business Standard, India TV News, Moneycontrol, News18, Telangana Today, Economic Times