The Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which was scheduled to begin on June 6 in Sri Lanka, has been postponed. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced this decision after a formal request from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), who cited ongoing bad weather and rising health concerns, including a chikungunya outbreak in the region.
Delay in India A vs Pakistan A?
India A were set to defend their title after winning the first edition in Hong Kong in 2023. That tournament featured eight teams, including Bangladesh A, Pakistan A, Sri Lanka A, UAE, Nepal, Malaysia, and hosts Hong Kong. However, many matches, including the semifinal, were affected by rain. The ACC confirmed that new dates will be announced soon.
“The ACC is committed to providing opportunities for young women cricketers to develop their skills and compete at the highest level,” said Mohsin Raza Naqvi, President Asian Cricket Council. “We understand the strategic significance of this tournament in shaping the future of women’s cricket in Asia, and we will work diligently to reschedule the event at the earliest possible date.”
Meanwhile, previously some reports suggested that the BCCI had withdrawn from the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and Asia Cup due to tensions with Pakistan. However, the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia denied these claims.
“Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI’s decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. Such news are devoid of any truth, as till now, the BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women,” Saikia told the Times of India.
