Dhaka, July 24, 2025: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday praised the “positive and constructive environment” of the ACC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dhaka and said a final decision on the Asia Cup 2025 schedule and venue would be announced soon.
The meeting, hosted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), was attended by all 25 ACC member nations, either in person or virtually. It was held in the backdrop of ongoing uncertainty over the Asia Cup, currently scheduled for September in India, amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a military skirmish in May.
Despite initially refusing to attend, citing diplomatic tensions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) participated virtually in the AGM, reversing its earlier stance. Indian media had reported that BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla would represent the board via video link, after previously warning of a boycott over regional tensions.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Naqvi confirmed that all members were present and engaged. “We have 25 ACC members, and all of them participated. We are committed to keeping politics out of cricket. It was a productive meeting held in a positive atmosphere,” he said.
Regarding the Asia Cup’s fate, Naqvi stated that discussions with the BCCI were ongoing. “We are in consultation and the final announcement will be made very soon,” he said. When asked about India’s absence from the in-person proceedings, he played down the issue, calling it routine. “It’s normal. Sometimes circumstances prevent travel. I’ve missed meetings myself. The important thing is that every member participated.”
The ACC later issued a statement confirming full attendance and the unanimous approval of a comprehensive tournament calendar for 2025–2026. It reaffirmed the council’s commitment to structured cricket development across its member countries.
Cricket’s inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan was also announced, with 10 men’s and eight women’s teams set to compete based on ICC rankings. The ACC also welcomed three new members — Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines — marking the sport’s expansion into new regions.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the BCB, Naqvi urged Asian cricketing nations to rise above political divisions for the sake of the sport. “We need to act as a team. This is a family of cricketing nations. Let’s work together to strengthen the ACC and support our associate members,” he said.
Emphasizing the need for greater inclusivity and competitiveness, he called for initiatives to strengthen players and cricketing infrastructure across member nations. “When one team wins, all of us win. That’s the spirit we need to foster in Asian cricket,” he added.
With the possibility of India and Pakistan unwilling to play in each other’s territory, a hybrid model similar to previous tournaments is being considered. The UAE is emerging as a likely neutral venue if direct bilateral matches remain unfeasible.
On the sidelines of the AGM, Naqvi held bilateral talks with Bangladesh’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Asif Mahmood, to enhance cooperation in cricket development, umpiring, and youth engagement.
The two sides agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the PCB and the BCB aimed at promoting cricket and creating professional training opportunities, particularly for umpires. Naqvi also invited Bangladeshi umpires to Pakistan for advanced training sessions, highlighting PCB’s willingness to share technical resources across the region.
Special focus was given to women’s cricket, with both countries agreeing to develop joint initiatives for female players and expand participation. Discussions extended beyond sports to include youth skill development, scholarship programmes, and higher education exchanges.
The two sides also explored collaboration in renewable energy, with an emphasis on solar technology. Naqvi presented Pakistan’s digital identity infrastructure, showcasing the capabilities of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
Minister Mahmood welcomed the proposal and expressed strong interest in Pakistan’s identity management systems. A high-level Bangladeshi delegation is expected to visit Pakistan to explore further collaboration.
Naqvi concluded the meeting by stressing the shared demographics of both countries. “Our youth are our future. By investing in sports, education, and skills, we can build a prosperous future together.”
The engagement marked a renewed effort to deepen sports diplomacy and regional partnerships, with both nations expressing commitment to building lasting ties beyond the cricket field.
