By Zainab Shafiq 
In what seems like a classic case of behind-the-scenes cricket politics, the fate of the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Annual General Meeting, scheduled for July 23, hangs in the balance ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The tug-of-war centers around the venue, Dhaka, with Oman Cricket becoming the latest board to oppose the location, aligning itself with the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket. The issue isn’t just logistical, it’s strategic, with the salaries of Pakistani cricketers and broader cricketing diplomacy hanging in the background.
According to insiders, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively persuading member boards to avoid the meeting by offering “lucrative incentives” behind closed doors. Surprisingly, International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah is allegedly playing a role in this lobbying effort, urging members to register their disapproval in writing. However, despite mounting opposition, a majority still supports Dhaka as the rightful host, especially since Pakistan and Bangladesh will already be engaged in a three-match series there.
Asia Cup 2025 Looms Large But Meeting in Jeopardy
This ACC showdown isn’t just about one meeting; it could shape the future of the Asia Cup 2025. A formal 15-day notice has already been dispatched to all member nations, allowing virtual attendance, a norm in global cricket governance. But the real concern is the Asia Cup 2025 schedule, eagerly awaited by fans, which now risks further delays due to internal conflict.
Sources indicate that the UAE is emerging as a strong candidate to host the tournament amidst the ongoing friction between PCB and BCCI. With a tentative start date of September 10, the tournament’s planning hinges on the resolution of the AGM stalemate. And beneath all this drama lies an unspoken financial tension, including implications for the salaries of Pakistani cricketers, who are caught in the middle of a regional power battle.
Virtual Solution or More Delays?
Whether Dhaka can successfully host the AGM or if a virtual meeting becomes the fallback, the consequences will be far-reaching. As boards strategize, fans and players alike remain in limbo, waiting for clarity, not only on the Asia Cup but also on crucial matters like the salaries of Pakistani cricketers, team schedules, and regional cricket diplomacy.
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