BCCI seeks more time to finalise Asia Cup schedule, venue

ISLAMABAD: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sought more time to consult key sponsors before confirming the schedule and venue for the Asia Cup 2025, which is widely expected to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It was formally communicated during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who currently serves as the ACC President. “There are a few commercial and logistical matters the BCCI needs to settle with its sponsors. Once those are resolved, the official dates and venues for the Asia Cup will be communicated to the ACC,” stated a senior BCCI official during the meeting. “We’re confident that all issues will be sorted soon to ensure the Asia Cup takes place smoothly and on time.”

Naqvi reiterated his optimism, saying, “It’s largely a matter between the BCCI and ACC, and I am confident all hurdles will be overcome. The event will proceed as planned.”

The AGM marked a significant milestone, as all 25 ACC member countries either attended in person or joined the meeting virtually, demonstrating the unity and collective resolve of Asian cricketing nations. “It’s not about individual presence; it’s the country’s representation that truly matters,” Naqvi emphasized. “There have been times I missed an ACC meeting myself, but Pakistan was represented. Today’s meeting was a shining example of collective commitment to cricket’s growth across Asia.”

In a major announcement, Naqvi confirmed Pakistan’s participation in an exciting tri-nation T20 series alongside the UAE and Afghanistan, set to be held in the UAE just prior to the Asia Cup. Further talks are underway for another high-profile tri-series involving Pakistan, Australia, and Bangladesh, with a tentative plan to host it in Pakistan ahead of the ICC World Cup 2026. “Negotiations are still in early stages, but it’s something we’re working toward with great enthusiasm,” Naqvi revealed. The meeting was not just about scheduling tournaments, it laid the foundation for the ACC’s strategic roadmap. The following key developments were unanimously approved: In a landmark decision, the ACC announced that cricket will feature in the 2026 Asian Games, with 10 men’s and 8 women’s teams competing, selected based on international rankings. This is expected to elevate the profile of cricket at a multi-sport level and offer greater exposure to emerging cricketing nations.

Naqvi also reiterated the commitment of ACC members to keeping politics away from sport, saying, “Every member expressed a unified view, cricket must remain free of political influence.” Naqvi extended gratitude to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and its Chairman Aminul Islam for successfully hosting the AGM. In return, BCB’s leadership acknowledged the ACC’s trust and praised the collaborative spirit.