Key points
- Asia Cup’s fate to be announced after BCCI talks
- Cricket included in 2026 Asian Games
- Naqvi urges setting aside politics to strengthen Asian cricket
- Pakistan and Bangladesh agree on youth, cricket, and education cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi praised the positive atmosphere at the ACC’s annual general meeting (AGM) held in Dhaka, hosted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
He said the fate of the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in India in September, would be announced soon amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following a military clash in May.
President Asian Cricket Council Mohsin Naqvi’s group photo with office bearers of 24 other ACC member countries at the annual general council meeting held in Dhaka 📸 pic.twitter.com/dk8APQz2K0
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 24, 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) attended the meeting virtually, after initially refusing to travel to Dhaka due to strained ties with Bangladesh and threats to boycott.
Naqvi confirmed that all 25 ACC members participated either in person or online. He expressed optimism that politics would be kept separate from cricket, and that future meetings would continue in a similarly positive spirit.
India’s absence
Regarding India’s absence in person, Naqvi downplayed the issue, explaining that it was common for some countries to miss attending physically. He stated that discussions with the BCCI about the Asia Cup were ongoing, and an announcement would be made shortly.
The possibility of hosting the Asia Cup partially or fully in the UAE remains under consideration due to reluctance from both PCB and BCCI to play in each other’s countries.
The Asian Cricket Council charts the Future of Asian Cricket at the Annual General Meeting in Dhaka!
Read more: https://t.co/TMCIAslxh7#ACC pic.twitter.com/jRhiEreHC7
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) July 24, 2025
The ACC meeting approved the 2025–2026 tournament calendar and announced cricket’s inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with participation determined by team rankings. The ACC also welcomed Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines as new members, expanding cricket’s reach in Asia.
Political differences
Naqvi urged member nations to set aside political differences for the sake of the sport, emphasising the importance of unity and cooperation to strengthen Asian cricket and support associate members. He pledged to make the ACC the strongest cricketing body in Asia and promote the game’s growth across the continent.
PCB Chairman and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi’s speech at the reception hosted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board in Dhaka, in honour of ACC members and the Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket teams. pic.twitter.com/7sha0ztJfy
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 24, 2025
In Dhaka, Naqvi met Bangladesh’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Asif Mahmood, to discuss closer collaboration in cricket development, umpiring, and youth programmes. Both parties agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding to formalise training and promote women’s cricket, alongside cooperation in youth skills, education, and renewable energy.
An evening of legacy, unity, and pride.
From cricket diplomacy to cultural brilliance — “Celebrating – THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET” was a tribute to the game that unites a continent.
Hosted with heart by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. 🇧🇩Attended by: ACC Delegates • Bangladesh &… pic.twitter.com/OB0Qbu5dU0
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) July 23, 2025
Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s advanced national identity systems, which drew interest from the Bangladeshi minister, who welcomed a delegation visit to Pakistan. He stressed that investing in sports and education would benefit the youth populations of both countries, signalling a commitment to deepen ties through sports diplomacy and broader cooperation.
