DHAKA: The upcoming Asia Cup T20 is expected to be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with an official announcement likely in the coming days, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported on Thursday.

The tournament, originally scheduled to be hosted by India in September, is now poised to be relocated due to logistical and political challenges, though India is expected to retain hosting rights.

The decision followed the ACC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Dhaka on Thursday, which was attended by all 25 member countries either physically or virtually.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), after initially threatening to boycott the meeting due to political tensions with Bangladesh, eventually joined the proceedings virtually. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla represented the board at the meeting.

The Asia Cup, expected to span a little over two weeks in September, must conclude before India begins its Test series against the West Indies later that month. The UAE, having previously hosted the tournament in similar circumstances, has emerged as the most feasible neutral venue, particularly in light of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Political strain between the two neighbours — further intensified by a military clash in May — has made bilateral cricket engagements increasingly difficult.

With both the BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly unwilling to play on each other’s soil, a neutral venue such as the UAE was viewed as a practical compromise, similar to the hybrid model used during the 2024 ICC events.

MOHSIN CALLS FOR UNITY

Following the meeting, ACC president and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that discussions with the BCCI were progressing and an announcement was imminent.

“We have had discussions with the BCCI and there are a few issues that we will resolve shortly,” Mohsin said. “All 25 members attended the meeting either physically or virtually. We are all on the same page.”

Mohsin, who chaired the meeting in Dhaka, called for unity and collaboration among member nations in his address, urging all to put political considerations aside.

“We must work collaboratively, setting aside all political differences to focus solely on cricket,” he said. “The ACC is a family of cricketing nations… when one of us wins, we all win. We want to foster robust competition and a thriving cricket market in Asia.”

He also stressed the need to strengthen associate member nations and expand cricket across underserved regions of Asia.

Speaking after the meeting, Mohsin maintained a conciliatory tone. “None of us wants politics inside our organisations. It was a very good meeting in a very good atmosphere. I hope we continue in this spirit in the future,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2025