ACC annual meeting in Dhaka opens with high stakes and partial participation
The Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) annual general meeting kicks off in Dhaka on Thursday under unusual circumstances, with several major cricket boards opting for virtual participation—or potentially skipping the meeting altogether. The fate of the 2025 Asia Cup, a key agenda item, hangs in the balance as the cricketing world watches the proceedings closely.
While India is the official host for the Asia Cup, ongoing political tensions and instability in the region have created complications. According to multiple reports, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla will attend the ACC meeting virtually, rather than sending an in-person delegation.
“BCCI will be represented virtually by its vice-president Rajeev Shukla, who is the designated ACC board member. Since the venue with regards to Asia Cup needs to be zeroed in on, BCCI decided to attend the meeting virtually,”
— ACC source to PTI
The ACC meeting is being presided over by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday and was welcomed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam and Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury.
Asia Cup venue still undecided amid political and logistical hurdles
While India is the official host for the Asia Cup, ongoing political tensions and instability in the region have created complications. The BCCI has reportedly placed its August tour of Bangladesh on hold and has requested that the Asia Cup be moved from the country, citing concerns over security and governance.
UAE venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are emerging as front-runners to host the event. Sri Lanka is also being considered, though its cricket board’s attendance at the meeting remains uncertain.
The lack of in-person representation from key member boards, including the possibility of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) skipping or dialing in virtually, raised concerns about the meeting’s quorum. Without at least three permanent Test nations physically present, the gathering risked being invalidated. However, both Afghanistan and Oman ultimately confirmed their attendance, with Nepal also joining virtually.
BCB reiterates limited role as logistical host
The BCB has taken a backseat in terms of decision-making for the event, insisting its role is limited to logistical support for the ACC.
“We agreed with the ACC to organise this year’s AGM. It is an ACC programme. We are providing them with logistical support. That’s all we are doing. We are in touch with the ACC, who is informing us who is coming and who is not, as we have to make arrangements for airport pick-ups, hotel bookings and other support,”
— BCB president Aminul Islam, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo
That stance was echoed by another BCB official who spoke to PTI on condition of anonymity.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board is merely a facilitator for the meeting. We are only providing logistical support for the meeting. We have kept a liaison officer who is co-ordinating with representatives of member nations, arranging for their travel and stay,”
— Unnamed BCB representative to PTI
Outlook: key decisions loom as Asia Cup timeline tightens
With the Asia Cup scheduled for September, the pressure is mounting on ACC members to finalize a venue and format. India’s firm stance on not traveling to certain regions and the broader regional dynamics continue to complicate the process.
The Dhaka meeting may prove pivotal—not only in determining the location of the Asia Cup but also in setting the tone for how future multi-nation tournaments are coordinated in the politically sensitive Asian cricket ecosystem.
