The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) held its Annual General Meeting on July 24, 2025, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, bringing together representatives from all 25 member nations. A key focus of the meeting was the hosting arrangements for the 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled for September 8–28, 2025. However, the meeting concluded without a final decision, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the designated host, has yet to confirm its stance.

This delay has left cricket fans and stakeholders eagerly awaiting further updates. Beyond the Asia Cup, the meeting also covered significant developments, including the approval of the ACC budget, the 2025–26 tournament calendar, cricket’s inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games, and the welcoming of new member nations: Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines. In this blog post, we dive into the details of these outcomes and what they mean for the future of cricket in Asia.

Asia Cup 2025 Hosting Decision Delayed: What’s Happening?

The Asia Cup 2025 is one of the most anticipated cricket tournaments in the region, featuring top teams such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. According to the ACC’s hosting rotation policy, the BCCI is slated to organize this edition. However, during the meeting in Dhaka, no final decision was reached on the hosting arrangements. ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), addressed the situation, stating, “The BCCI will communicate its stance in the coming days, with discussions ongoing.”

This delay has significant implications for the tournament’s planning. Venue preparations, team schedules, and broadcasting agreements all hinge on the host country’s confirmation. The cricket boards of participating nations are on standby, awaiting the BCCI’s response to move forward with their preparations. Possible reasons for the delay could include logistical challenges, security concerns, or political factors—particularly the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, which often influences cricket-related decisions.

Potential Venues for Asia Cup 2025: Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the Spotlight

Given the longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan, hosting the Asia Cup in either country has historically been challenging. As a result, neutral venues are frequently chosen to ensure all teams can participate safely and fairly. For the 2025 edition, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as frontrunners to host the tournament.

Why the UAE?

The UAE has a strong history of hosting major cricket events, including the 2018 Asia Cup, which was moved there due to similar India-Pakistan tensions. The country boasts world-class facilities, such as the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, both equipped to handle international tournaments. Its central location in Asia also makes it convenient for teams and fans traveling from across the region.

Challenges and Solutions

One potential challenge of hosting in the UAE in September is the hot weather, which could impact players and spectators. However, with evening matches, advanced stadium cooling systems, and careful scheduling, this issue can be mitigated. The UAE’s experience in hosting events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and previous Asia Cups further strengthens its case as a reliable neutral venue.

Political Tensions Impacting Cricket: India-Pakistan Dynamics

The rivalry between India and Pakistan extends beyond the cricket field, often affecting the sport’s logistics and scheduling. Bilateral cricket series between the two nations have been rare since 2012, and when they do meet, it’s typically on neutral grounds in multilateral tournaments like the Asia Cup or ICC events.

Dhaka Meeting Context

For the 2025 Asia Cup, political tensions surfaced even before the tournament’s hosting was discussed. India initially hesitated to attend the ACC meeting in Dhaka due to its strained relations with Pakistan, the latter having closer ties with Bangladesh. However, the BCCI ultimately participated via video link, with Rajiv Shukla representing the board. This compromise suggests a willingness to maintain dialogue despite differences, a positive sign for cricket’s role as a unifying force.

Implications for the Asia Cup

The India-Pakistan dynamic will likely dictate the final hosting decision. If India hosts, a neutral venue like the UAE might still be necessary to ensure Pakistan’s participation. Alternatively, if the BCCI opts out, the ACC could turn to another member nation or solidify the UAE as the host.

Other Key Outcomes from the ACC Meeting

While the Asia Cup hosting decision dominated headlines, the ACC meeting also addressed several other developments that will shape cricket’s future in Asia.

ACC Budget Approval

The ACC approved its budget for the upcoming year, allocating funds for grassroots development, regional tournaments, and administrative needs. This financial commitment is crucial for nurturing talent and improving infrastructure across member nations.

2025–26 Tournament Calendar

The meeting confirmed the 2025–26 tournament calendar, which includes age-group and women’s events. This schedule ensures a steady pipeline of competitive cricket, fostering growth at all levels of the sport in Asia.

Cricket in the 2026 Asian Games

A major highlight was the confirmation of cricket’s inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. This marks a significant milestone, offering emerging nations a global stage to showcase their skills. While the formats (likely T20 or ODI) are yet to be finalized, both men’s and women’s events are expected, boosting the sport’s visibility in the region.

New Members: Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines

The ACC welcomed three new member nations—Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines—expanding its footprint to 25 countries. These nations are in the early stages of developing their cricket programs, and their inclusion opens doors to regional competitions, coaching support, and infrastructure funding. This move underscores the ACC’s mission to grow cricket beyond its traditional strongholds.

What’s Next for the Asia Cup 2025?

The cricket world now awaits the BCCI’s decision on hosting the Asia Cup 2025, expected in the coming days. If the BCCI agrees to host, it may propose a neutral venue like Dubai or Abu Dhabi to accommodate all teams, particularly Pakistan. Should the BCCI decline or set unfeasible conditions, the ACC might need to pivot to an alternative host. This decision will ripple through the tournament’s timeline, affecting team preparations, ticket sales, and fan excitement.

Looking ahead, upcoming ACC or ICC meetings could provide further clarity or resolve any lingering issues. For now, the spotlight remains on the BCCI as fans and stakeholders anticipate the next chapter in the Asia Cup 2025 saga. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!

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