Exclusive: Former India Opener Backs Bumrah as Captain, Says No to Asia Cup Amid India-Pakistan Strain

Recent tensions between India and Pakistan have reignited discussions around the future of the Asia Cup, the biennial cricket tournament featuring top Asian nations.

Traditionally dominated by the two neighbours, the event is now under a cloud, with uncertainty looming over India’s participation. The tournament is scheduled for September this year in India, but recent geopolitical developments have put its fate in question.

Several media outlets recently reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), currently chaired by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, of its decision to pull out from ACC-organised tournaments. These claims have since sparked debate across the cricketing world.

However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia categorically denied these reports, calling them “speculative and imaginary.” 

In an official statement to the media, he clarified: "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. As and when any discussion on ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced."

Should India play the Asia Cup?

While the BCCI maintains a diplomatic silence, several voices from the cricketing fraternity have begun weighing in, including former Indian opener Abhinav Mukund. In an exclusive conversation with SportsBoom.com, Mukund expressed strong personal views on the matter.

“Definitely not,” he said when asked if India should participate in the Asia Cup. 

“When we are fighting a war with the neighbours, I don’t think cricket has to be played between the two nations. This is just my personal view," he said.

Mukund’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that sporting ties cannot be isolated from the broader geopolitical reality. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012–13, with matches between the two now limited to ICC and ACC events. If India does withdraw, it could have significant implications for the Asia Cup and future India-Pakistan encounters in global tournaments.

India's future without Virat & Rohit

On the field, India also faces challenges ahead, especially with stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma recently announcing their retirement from Test cricket. The team’s upcoming tour of England will be its first major assignment in a new era.

Mukund, however, remains optimistic about India’s chances.

“India will definitely have its issues without the experience of Kohli and Rohit, but we have some young players with exceptional potential. It will be interesting to see how these young prospects go in England," Abhinav, who has played 145 first-class and 7 Tests for India, said.

With no official announcement yet on the new Test captain, Mukund backed Jasprit Bumrah for the role.

“Bumrah (should lead) because he has already led India before, and we need the experience in England,” Mukund told SportsBoom.com. 

India is scheduled to play five Tests against England, starting from June 20. Before the start of the series, India A will play two matches against England Lions as part of the preparation.