PCB & ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi confirms BCCI to host Asia Cup 2025, cricket's Asian Games 2026 return

BCCI is all set to host the Asia Cup 2025 but a date for the tournament is yet to be confirmed after the ACC AGM meeting. A window in September is likely to be decided with India and Pakistan both set to participate. The tournament’s future was thrown into doubt given the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, but a breakthrough has been achieved in Dhaka this week.

BCCI to host Asia Cup 2025 at neutral venue, September window likely

As per multiple reports, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) have agreed to continue with their existing Asia Cup 2025 plans after the AGM meeting in Dhaka. The meeting was attended by all member nations in Dhaka. While PCB and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi was in attendance, BCCI’s Rajiv Shukla joined in virtually. Naqvi however downplayed the absence and suggested all parties were working together towards a solution.

“Some people couldn’t make it to Dhaka — and that’s normal. I myself missed a meeting in Singapore once. What matters is that every board was represented. This is a collective effort, and we will continue to hold such meetings in the future,” he explained

ACC AGM Meeting: Key developments

BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla attended the meeting virtually
Asia Cup 2025 to be hosted by BCCI in September at a neutral venue, 8 teams to participate
Cricket returns to Asian Games 2026 to be held in Japan
8 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams will participate in Asian Games based on rankings
ACC added Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Philippines as new member nations
ACC vice-president remains un-elected, India and Pakistan clash over candidate

The Asia Cup 2025 will be held in T20 format, with eyes on the t20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year. While no confirmation has been made, Naqvi ensured that the BCCI were in positive discussions to make the event a success. The PCB and ACC chief added that the board convened to not make it ‘political’ with focus on betterment of cricket.

“We have agreed to work together for the betterment of cricket. These two days were very productive and memorable. Everyone wants to keep politics out of cricket. The BCCI is in discussion with a few event partners, and they have told us they will announce the schedule soon,” he added.

As per The Hindu, a window of September 5 to 21 was discussed during the AGM. Earlier, reports suggested the tournament would be held between September 10 to 28. The final call rests with the BCCI, who are the official hosts. Despite that, the tournament will be held in a neutral venue. UAE is the likely destination, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai to host matches. The 5 Test playing nations – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will participate with the addition of associates Oman, Hong Kong and UAE.

Cricket returns to Asian Games 2026

As per the media release, the ACC confirmed cricket’s return to the Asian Games. The 2026 edition set to be held in Japan. The tournament will be played in the T20 format, will see 8 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams participate from the continent. Cricket was played at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, with India winning the gold medal on that occasion.

Cricket Asia Cup 2025 India Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Team