The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 24, 2025, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with all 25 member nations in attendance, either in person or virtually. Hosted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the two-day event was marked by optimism and collaboration, yet the fate of the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 remains undecided. With geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges at play, fans are eagerly awaiting clarity on the tournament’s schedule, format, and venue.
ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), praised the BCB for its exceptional hospitality and highlighted the unified commitment to advancing cricket across Asia. “These two days were truly memorable,” Naqvi said at a press conference following the AGM. “No one wants politics involved—the meeting was held in a very positive environment.”
The meeting saw participation from all member nations, including key stakeholders like the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which joined virtually due to strained diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. Despite initial reports of a potential boycott by the BCCI and allies like Sri Lanka, Oman, and Afghanistan over the Dhaka venue, the ACC managed to ensure representation from all boards, either in person or via video link.
Naqvi emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “We have decided to work together for the betterment of cricket.” This collective spirit sets the stage for continued collaboration, with plans for future meetings to sustain the momentum.
The Asia Cup 2025, a six-team T20 tournament slated for September, was a focal point of discussions, but no final decisions were made. India, the designated host, has yet to confirm the schedule or venue, with speculation pointing to a potential shift to a neutral venue like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to geopolitical tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan.
Naqvi reassured stakeholders that a resolution is imminent, stating, “A decision regarding the Asia Cup will be announced shortly. Talks with the Indian Cricket Board are ongoing, and we’re optimistic everything will be resolved in due course.” The BCCI’s virtual participation, led by vice president Rajiv Shukla, marked a late shift from its earlier stance of boycotting resolutions if the meeting was held in Dhaka.
The tournament is expected to feature India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE, with a possible inclusion of Oman and Hong Kong, expanding the field to eight teams. Posts on X suggest a tentative schedule from September 8 to 28, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi as likely venues, and India and Pakistan grouped together for a high-stakes clash.
The ACC meeting was not without controversy. The BCCI’s initial reluctance to attend in Dhaka stemmed from strained India-Bangladesh relations, following the postponement of India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh from August 2025 to September 2026. Reports indicated that the BCCI, supported by Sri Lanka, Oman, and Afghanistan, had pushed for a venue change, citing diplomatic and security concerns.
ACC rules require a quorum of at least three full Test-playing member nations and ten full or associate members for decisions to be legally binding. The BCCI’s participation, even virtually, ensured the meeting’s validity, but the absence of in-person attendance from some boards underscored the delicate balance between cricket and politics. Naqvi downplayed the issue, noting, “Some people couldn’t make it to Dhaka—that happens. The important thing is that all member boards were represented.”
The Asia Cup 2025 is a critical fixture in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, making its successful execution vital for regional cricket. The tournament’s T20 format aligns with this goal, promising thrilling encounters, especially between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, who are likely to face off at least twice.
However, the tournament’s viability hinges on resolving logistical and diplomatic hurdles. A hybrid model, as used in the 2023 Asia Cup when India played matches in Sri Lanka due to security concerns in Pakistan, remains a possibility. The UAE’s emergence as a neutral venue reflects a pragmatic approach to accommodating all teams, particularly given Pakistan’s reluctance to travel to India amid ongoing tensions.
The ACC’s commitment to keeping politics out of cricket is a positive signal, but challenges remain. The BCCI’s influence, as the tournament’s host and a commercial powerhouse, cannot be understated. Hosting the Asia Cup without India, the defending champions, is considered “virtually unthinkable” due to the financial and competitive implications.
Naqvi’s leadership will be tested as he navigates these complexities. His assurance of ongoing talks with the BCCI and his call for unity suggest a diplomatic approach to ensuring the tournament proceeds. Fans, meanwhile, are left on edge, awaiting an official announcement expected in the coming days.
