Asia Cup Uncertainty Looms as ACC Meeting Set to Decide Future

The fate of the Asia Cup 2025 hangs in the balance as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) prepares to hold a crucial meeting in Dhaka on Thursday, July 25. The annual general meeting comes at a tense moment for Asian cricket, following the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which holds the hosting rights, will attend the meeting virtually.

India-Pakistan Tensions Cloud Tournament Plans

The India-Pakistan conflict in May cast serious doubts over whether the tournament could proceed smoothly. With both countries’ cricket boards operating in sensitive political conditions, the ACC faces pressure to resolve logistics, participation, and venue issues without escalating tensions further.

Despite these complications, the BCCI remains the official host of the eight-team tournament. However, matches are expected to be shifted to the UAE in September due to security concerns. The BCCI will be represented by Rajeev Shukla, who will join virtually.

Mixed Attendance from Member Boards

The ACC meeting will see varied levels of representation. Afghanistan and Oman, initially expected to skip the event, have confirmed their attendance. Nepal will join the meeting virtually, similar to India. There is still uncertainty around Sri Lanka Cricket, as it’s unclear whether they will send an official to Dhaka or participate remotely.

This mixed mode of participation reflects ongoing logistical challenges for many boards, especially with tight timelines and geopolitical unease. The ACC must navigate these complexities to finalize plans for one of Asia’s premier cricket events.

Read: Pakistan Names Squad for Ireland T20 Tour

Bangladesh Hosts Key Meeting for the First Time

For the first time, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is hosting a high-level ACC meeting. BCB President Aminul Islam confirmed that while Bangladesh is not directly involved in ACC decision-making, the board is providing logistical support for the event.

“We agreed with the ACC to organise this year’s AGM,” Aminul said on Tuesday. “It is an ACC programme. We are providing logistical support only. The ACC informs us who is attending so we can make necessary arrangements like airport pick-ups and hotel bookings.”

Aminul’s remarks underline the BCB’s neutral stance in the lead-up to what could be a pivotal decision for regional cricket.

Warm Welcome for ACC President in Dhaka

On Wednesday, BCB officials received Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury also joined in welcoming the ACC chief.

Later in the evening, a gala dinner was planned to mark the start of the meetings, which will take place over the next two days at a hotel in Dhaka. These discussions will not only shape the Asia Cup’s immediate future but also signal the broader direction of cricket diplomacy in the region.

UAE Likely Venue Amid Security Worries

Given the strained India-Pakistan relations and travel concerns, the UAE has emerged as the most likely neutral ground to host the Asia Cup. The country has hosted multiple editions of the tournament in the past and offers world-class infrastructure with minimal security risk.

The BCCI’s remote participation signals its continued reluctance to engage directly with Pakistan, especially in an in-person setting. The virtual format also enables smoother diplomatic handling of sensitive topics.

Awaiting a Final Decision

The cricketing world now waits to see if the ACC can reach a consensus on how to conduct the 2025 Asia Cup. Any delays or indecision could impact team preparations, ticketing, broadcasting rights, and overall tournament integrity.

The next 48 hours are crucial. If the meeting in Dhaka produces a clear action plan, it could restore confidence among players, fans, and sponsors. Otherwise, the uncertainty surrounding the Asia Cup may continue, further complicating the already fragile cricketing ties between key nations