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Asia Cup Boycotts Through The Years: A Timeline From 1986 To 2025

Sakshi Sharma

India vs Pakistan (Source:@AFP)India vs Pakistan (Source:@AFP)

The Asia Cup was started with the hope of uniting cricketing nations in the region under the banner of sportsmanship. However, the reality is completely different and has often fallen short of that idea. Over the years, the tournament has been marred by several boycotts and withdrawals due to complex political dynamics between the Asian countries.

From the inaugural tournaments in the 1980s to the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, here's a timeline of when and why nations pulled out and what the reason was behind this.

1986 – India Boycotts

In the history of the Asia Cup, India first pulled out of the second edition of the marquee tournament due to strained relations with Sri Lanka and was replaced by the Asian leading associate nation, Bangladesh. The tournament went ahead without India, and Sri Lanka eventually lifted the trophy.

1990 – Pakistan Boycotts

The Political tension between India and Pakistan escalated sharply in 1990. As a result, Pakistan chose not to participate in the Asia Cup held in India. The tournament was reduced in competitiveness; however, India won the edition by defeating Sri Lanka in the final.

1993 – Entire Tournament Cancelled

It is important to note that the 1993 Asia Cup was completely cancelled due to difficult political and worsening relations between India and Pakistan. With the situation going out of hand, the organisers had no choice but to cancel the 1993 edition altogether. This was the first and only time (until 2020’s COVID-related changes) that the Asia Cup was completely scrapped.

Other Similar Scenarios That Impacted Asia Cup

2018 – India Hosts, Pakistan Participates Under Conditions

  • India, originally set to host the 2018 edition, declined to allow matches on Indian soil due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions. As a compromise, the tournament was held in the UAE.

2023 – Hybrid Model To Avoid Boycotts

  •  The BCCI cited security concerns and declined to send its team to Pakistan. As a workaround, a hybrid model was proposed - India played all its matches in Sri Lanka.

 2025 – Boycott Threats Resurface Amid Handshake Controversy

  • The 2025 Asia Cup is again in the spotlight. India’s qualification for the Super 4s was followed by a viral 'handshake snub', triggering a diplomatic situation. Pakistan has threatened to boycott their next group-stage match against the UAE. As per the latest report, no team has pulled out yet, but the controversy has already impacted the Asia Cup.