In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to attend the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 24, a move that could help clear the path for the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup, currently set to be hosted by the UAE in September.

Initially, the BCCI had objected to the meeting being held in Dhaka, citing India’s strained diplomatic ties with Bangladesh. Reports suggested that the Indian board, supported by cricketing nations like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Oman, had requested the meeting be moved to a neutral venue. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and ACC president Mohsin Naqvi remained firm on holding the gathering in the Bangladeshi capital.

After weeks of impasse, the BCCI has softened its stance, though not entirely. While senior BCCI officials will not travel to Dhaka, vice-president Rajeev Shukla will attend the meeting virtually. This move was confirmed by Times of India journalist Gaurav Gupta, who noted on X (formerly Twitter) that the "decks are clearing up for Asia Cup in UAE in September."

The President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Aminul Islam Bulbul, welcomed the President of the Asian Cricket Council, Mohsin Naqvi, with a bouquet of flowers. Mr. Naqvi arrived in Dhaka ahead of the ACC Annual General Meeting, marking a significant moment for Asian cricket. pic.twitter.com/doqWpXPZRb

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) July 23, 2025

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BCCI Steps In Virtually: Asia Cup 2025 Talks Begin Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

The meeting is expected to determine Team India’s participation in the continental event. While the Asia Cup has traditionally been a warm-up for the T20 World Cup, which follows in 2026, the political climate between India and Pakistan continues to cast a shadow over India’s presence.

Interestingly, the BCCI's attendance at the ACC meeting comes at a time of internal transition, as Board president Roger Binny has very recently turned 70 - the maximum age for BCCI office-bearers. Binny is now expected to leave, and Rajeev Shukla could soon take a greater leadership role in Indian cricket.

In the meantime, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in Dhaka, greeted warmly by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul. The ACC meeting could either represent a fresh start for India-Pakistan bilateral relations or confirm the current status quo owing to the resolution of Asia Cup logistics. For now, BCCI logging in digitally indicates they are willing to engage - but with caution firmly in place.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is facing an unprecedented crisis as India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan have united in opposition to the upcoming ACC Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for July 24–25 in Dhaka. This united front, led by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is a direct challenge to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its president Mohsin Naqvi, who currently chairs the ACC.

India has demanded a change in venue, citing recent diplomatic tensions, particularly with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The BCCI has made it clear that it will not attend the AGM if it is held in Dhaka, and now has the backing of two other key Test-playing members, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. This has put the legitimacy of the meeting in serious doubt.

As per the ACC constitution, a valid quorum requires the presence of at least three of the five permanent Test-playing members (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan). With three of them refusing to travel to Dhaka, the AGM may not meet quorum requirements. The situation is further complicated by uncertainty around the participation of several full and associate member nations, including Oman, Nepal, and Malaysia.

Sources say Mohsin Naqvi even skipped the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore to visit Kabul in an effort to win over Afghanistan’s support. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has reportedly confirmed alignment with India’s position and will not attend the Dhaka meeting.

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Asia Cup at Risk as ACC Power Struggle Exposes Deepening Geopolitical Rift in Asian Cricket

There is a growing recognition within the Bangladesh Cricket Board of Control (BCB) that we have reached a geopolitical issue. Acting president Aminul Islam is under pressure for his decision to agree to hold the AGM without fully appreciating the consequences. Aminul, despite pending pushback from within the BCB, has declined to back away from hosting the AGM, citing his responsibility to Naqvi.

The BCB’s impasse has potentially larger ramifications, especially considering the Asia Cup in the UAE in September. If the AGM proceeds, we are being told that the ACC meeting could move forward without a legal quorum. This means that any decision taken at the ACC meeting could be invalidated. To add further complication, we are hearing about rumours from India, suggesting that the Indian cricket administration may boycott the Asia Cup if its concerns are not effectively appeased. This creates uncertainty about the commercial viability of the Asia Cup, as well as its legitimacy as a sporting competition. So the conclusion of this sorry saga means that cricket fans and administrators will need to endure a critical few days that could change Asia cricket's immediate future.

Team India's participation in the 2025 Asia Cup is still in doubt with just less than two months left for the tournament’s scheduled start. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet confirmed or denied the national team's presence in the continent-wide tournament. While speculation builds, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), it appears, has contacted the BCCI about increasing concerns expressed by broadcasters and sponsors over the delay in confirmation.

According to a report in the Times Now, the ACC said that the delay in confirmation is upsetting commercial planning. "We have been informed that in the absence of this information, their ability to plan effectively, allocate resources, and execute their campaigns is significantly constrained. In addition, to highlighting the challenges being faced by them, the media rights partner has highlighted obligations under the Agreement which commence 60 and 90 days prior to the commencement of the 2025 Tournament. Our sponsorship rights partner, TCM, has outlined the commercial concerns associated, particularly in terms of timelines required for effective monetization and activation planning," the letter stated.

Furthermore, the ACC emphasized the urgency, stressing that further delays may result in commercial losses. "In addition, given the proximity of other major ICC and international events, both Sony and TCM have raised concerns that further delays could result in missed commercial opportunities that may not be recoverable due to existing scheduling and lead-time limitations. In light of this, and importantly, with fixtures for other major tournaments now confirmed, we are hoping to alleviate the concerns of our rights holders and finalize the Asia Cup fixtures within this week. This is especially important for the ACC as the Men's Asia Cup is the main source of income for the organization. We believe that further delays may pose the risk of our partners claiming breaches of Agreement and seeking discounts," the ACC wrote.

Pressure Mounts on BCCI to Clarify Stand

The ACC’s formal communication could prompt a response from the BCCI as early as next week. While a promo for the Asia Cup did air during the broadcast of the first Test between India and England, it notably lacked any mention of match dates or venues, further fueling speculation.

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The ACC is currently being taken over by Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi, who replaced former BCCI secretary Jay Shah—now the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). As pressure from commerce grows and with the tournament just around the corner, the question hangs in the balance for a definite pronouncement by BCCI.

The Asia Cup is back in the cricket calendar, and the excitement is already building for what looks set to be a thrilling competition. To be kicked off on September 5, the 2025 Asia Cup will run for 17 days, and the final is likely to be played on September 21. Although India is hosting, the matches are actually going to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a neutral venue chosen to allow easy participation for all teams, given India and Pakistan are taking part as well.

One of the most anticipated attractions of the tournament will be the hotly awaited India-Pakistan match, to be held on September 7. With the tournament following the proven group stage and Super Fours format, the spectators could even get a second serving of the high-decibel rivalry on September 14, if both teams qualify.

Six nations will be represented this year: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE. The promotional campaigns have already begun in full gear, and the official TV broadcaster, Sony, has released posters and teasers to generate the hype. Every nation that is participating is to be given the nod from their governments, leading to another tournament to remember.

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Future Hosts and Formats of the Asia Cup

This edition will also be a curtain-raiser to the Women's ODI World Cup towards the end of the year in India and Sri Lanka. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has mapped a clear future roadmap for upcoming editions of the tournament, changing formats, and host duties between Asian giants:

• 2027 – Bangladesh (Format: ODI)
• 2029 – Pakistan (Format: T20I)
• 2031 – Sri Lanka (Format: ODI)

The alternate structures ensure the Asia Cup remains aligned with the international events of the ICC while giving all top cricket nations a level playing field to host. With fierce competition, shifting venues, and a long-term vision, the Asia Cup continues to be the foundation of Asian cricket, uniting the continent by way of fierce rivalry and dramatic moments.

According to early reports, the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match is set for September 7, and the Asia Cup 2025 is anticipated to begin on September 5. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the competition, and September 21 is most likely when the final takes place. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has nearly finalised a 17-day tournament window, and all six participating countries, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates, are getting ready to send their teams.

Despite earlier doubts due to political tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the tournament is set to go ahead. Government clearances from all involved countries are reportedly in the final stages. Hosting rights remain with India, but the tournament will be played in the UAE due to neutral venue considerations.

Asia Cup 2025 to Begin in UAE, India vs Pakistan on September 7

The Asia Cup 2025 will follow the T20I format, keeping in line with the calendar ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The tournament will follow a group stage and Super Fours format, guaranteeing at least one India vs Pakistan clash and potentially another if both qualify for the Super Four round. The second meeting could happen on September 14.

THE LIKELY SCHEDULE OF ASIA CUP 2025: 📢 (Sports Tak).

Starts - 4 or 5th September.
Final - 21st September.
Venue - In UAE.
India Vs Pakistan - 7th September. pic.twitter.com/t2chgzF63n

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 2, 2025

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In recent days, promotional campaigns have begun, with official broadcaster Sony Sports Network releasing the first teaser posters. A late-night selection meeting involving Shubman Gill, Ajit Agarkar, and Gautam Gambhir was also spotted at the ground, possibly finalising early plans for the Indian squad.

This edition of the Asia Cup is critical not just for cricketing reasons but also for the reassurance it provides stakeholders after months of uncertainty. With major events like the Women’s ODI World Cup also scheduled for later this year, the Asia Cup will set the tone for a busy international calendar.

For cricket fans, especially in India and Pakistan, the resumption of this iconic rivalry on September 7 promises to be one of the year’s biggest sporting spectacles.

The 2025 Asia Cup, originally scheduled to take place in India, is on the brink of being shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September this year, according to several sources known with the matter. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is said to make a final decision soon, with all signs suggesting the UAE as the alternative venue.

The move, necessitated mainly by unabating geopolitical rivalries between India and Pakistan, would follow similar precedents in which neutral sites have been selected to facilitate the smooth holding of matches between the two countries. Though India will technically continue to be the host on paper, the tournament stands a very strong chance of being hosted in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, all of which have a storied history of international cricket hosting.

According to a three-year deal between the boards of India and Pakistan, games featuring the two great foes are to be hosted at neutral sites. The UAE, which successfully held the T20 World Cup in 2021 and earlier Asia Cups, presents a politically neutral and logistically viable choice for the high-profile tournament.

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Tri-Nation Series and Asia Cup Will Give Boost to UAE's Cricket Calendar

To be played in the T20 format, the 2025 Asia Cup will serve as a key build-up tournament for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. The tournament will consist of eight teams and a total of 19 matches to be played in two weeks. While Sri Lanka was once tentatively discussed as a potential alternative hosting option, the UAE's more advanced infrastructure, experience, and climate conditions in September also seem to have swung the decision its way.

Along with the congested Emirates cricket calendar, sources have also suggested that a three-nation T20I series between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE is on the cards. The series would replace the initially planned bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing all three teams with good game practice before the Asia Cup. A formal announcement by the ACC is imminent, but for the moment, all indications are that once again, a high-profile tournament will find a temporary home in the desert dunes of the UAE.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the ongoing IPL 2025 season because of the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision was made after a virtual meeting with top BCCI officials on Thursday night, following talks with government representatives.

IPL 2025 Suspended and Asia Cup Likely Canceled Due to Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

The main reason for suspending the tournament is to avoid the bad image it could create in the current situation. Many overseas players and coaches also felt uncomfortable continuing to play with things the way they are.

The remaining matches, including 13 league games and 4 playoff matches, will be rescheduled later in the year. However, India’s cricket team is going on to tour of England for five Test matches in June and July, the next chance for the IPL 2025 to resume may not be until after the monsoon season. The BCCI will prioritize the IPL over other cricket events due to the tournament’s commercial value, and they will need to coordinate with other cricket boards to manage the availability of overseas players.

🚨 IPL 2025 RESCHEDULING. 🚨

- The remaining part of IPL 2025 could be played after the India Vs England Test series. (TOI). pic.twitter.com/98X1pndZre

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 9, 2025

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This situation is similar to what happened in 2021, when the IPL was postponed due to COVID-19 and was later completed in the UAE. A BCCI source said, “We have decided to suspend the IPL indefinitely. The safety of players is our top priority. Right now, national interest comes first, and we’ll decide later when the tournament can resume.”

Additionally, the Asia Cup, which was set for August and September, is likely to be canceled because of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. This will be another draw back to the cricket calendar.

Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, has been voted in as the new president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a two-year period. He takes over from Shammi Silva, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) head. The move was endorsed during a virtual ACC members' meeting. Naqvi, who has been at the helm of the PCB since early 2024, has been a central figure in constructing Pakistan cricket. Under his leadership, Pakistan upgraded three of its top-class stadiums and successfully hosted the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on a hybrid model. Naqvi offered his thanks in taking office, saying Asia is the epicentre of world cricket and that he is dedicated to working with every ACC member in increasing the popularity and stature of the game.

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He did also show gratitude to his predecessor and stated how much it meant to have an open mind as a means to advance Asian cricket to its utmost potential. Under his leadership, ACC seeks to fortify its programs for youth development, provide further opportunities for rising players, and promote increased activity throughout the continent.

Challenges and Future Goals

One of the major challenges ahead for Naqvi is the Asia Cup, scheduled for September. Originally to be hosted by India, the tournament will now be held in a neutral location because of continuing political tensions between India and Pakistan. Hosting a smooth and successful event will be one of the biggest tests of his leadership.Besides his cricket administrative experience, Naqvi also boasts a government background as he has been Pakistan's Minister of Interior and Punjab province caretaker Chief Minister. His experience in dealing with large operations and decision-making would be important in his current position.

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As Naqvi takes over, he envisions an Asian cricket that continues to climb to newer heights of international stature. With expansion, harmony, and innovation driving the process, he will lead the ACC to even higher peaks and take Asian cricket to even greater heights.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will have a prominent leadership role to play after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As per media reports, Naqvi will become the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) after the last match of the tournament. The current role is occupied on a caretaker basis by Shammi Silva, SLC president. Naqvi will officially replace him after the forthcoming ACC General Council meeting. 

🚨MOHSIN NAQVI SET TO TAKE ANOTHER KEY ROLE🚨

- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has received another prestigious honor, as he is set to take over as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) after the end of Champions Trophy. [Cricket Pakistan] pic.twitter.com/fyOBTEMwxS

— Salman 🇵🇰 (@SalmanAsif2007) March 1, 2025

Apart from leadership change, the meeting would concentrate on formalizing the hosting locations of next month's Asia Cup, due in India in the latter part of the year.

Though the actual venue has yet to be finalized, ACC officials are said to be mulling Sri Lanka and the UAE as possible alternate hosts.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, will continue to be the official host.

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The 2025 Asia Cup will be in T20 format with 19 games, provisionally planned between the second and fourth weeks of September.

Eight teams, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman and Hong Kong, will play. Importantly, Nepal, a developing associate nation from the subcontinent, will miss this edition. The tournament structure guarantees at least two big India-Pakistan matches-one in the group stage and the other in the Super Four stage a possibility of the two sides meeting once again in the final.

The cycle of the ongoing Asia Cup currently extends over four editions until 2031. Bangladesh will, after the tournament in 2025, hold the 2027 edition, which will be in the format of ODIs with 13 matches. Officially hosted by the PCB, the 2029 edition of the tournament with 19 T20 matches will be held at a neutral site. Sri Lanka will host the 2031 edition in ODIs with 13 matches.

There have also been debates regarding the extension of the hybrid model used for the 2023 Asia Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy, both of which were challenged because of India's political position regarding traveling to Pakistan.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has introduced the Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup. It will work as a strong preparation for the Asian teams before the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup.

The ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup will be held biennially. On Wednesday (September 11), during the official launch of the tournament, the ACC added that it would be a key tournament before each ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. 

Malaysia will host the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025 between January 18 and February 2, 2025. It will be the second edition of the tournament, while India won its inaugural edition in South Africa in January 2023. 

Just like its inaugural edition, the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025 will be played with 16 teams. 

SEE ALSO: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 complete schedule released

The inaugural ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup is likely to be played in December 2024

Meanwhile, the ACC hasn’t produced any details yet about the first edition of the Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup, including the hosting rights and number of participants. 

However, ESPNcricinfo reported that the ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup is likely to be played in mid-December 2024. 

The introduction of the Women’s U19 Asia Cup is a monumental achievement: ACC President Jay Shah

The ACC President Jay Shah said, “Today marks a pivotal moment for cricket in Asia. The introduction of the Women’s U19 Asia Cup is a monumental achievement, providing a much-needed platform for young women cricketers to develop their skills and showcase their talent. This initiative strengthens the future of women’s cricket in Asia, and we are proud of the lasting impact these decisions will have, not only within our member nations but across the global cricketing community.”

The ACC organises multiple international tournaments, which help the Asian cricket teams grow strongly. It also helps the Asian cricket teams to strengthen their relationships with other Asian cricket teams.

Apart from the popular men’s international level tournaments and various age-group international tournaments, the ACC also organises multiple women’s international level competitions. Before the just-launched ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup, the ACC organised the Women’s Asia Cup, Women’s Premier Cup, and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. 

Last July, Sri Lanka hosted the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, where the hosts Sri Lanka Women won the trophy for the first time after beating India Women in the final of the tournament. 

On the other hand, Bangladesh has the hosting rights for the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024, which has been scheduled for December 2024.