The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is considering moving its Annual General Meeting (AGM) out of Dhaka. The meeting was scheduled for July 24. Political tensions in Bangladesh have made several members uncomfortable with attending.
According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not keen on sending its top officials to Dhaka. The situation in the country has raised both security and diplomatic concerns. That has forced the ACC to explore alternative venues.
Sources say that no official decision has been made yet. But the idea of shifting the meeting is being discussed seriously within the council.
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BCCI’s Reluctance Prompts ACC to Consider Shifting AGM from Dhaka - Reports
Hosting the AGM was Bangladesh’s turn this year. However, this could change as reported by a Times of India journalist Gaurav Gupta who wrote on X:
"#breaking the venue of the Asian Cricket Council meeting to decide on the fate of the 2025 Asia Cup likely to be moved from Dhaka: Sources"
Officials from India and Sri Lanka are believed to be hesitant about travelling to Dhaka. Dubai has now emerged as a likely backup option. It’s easier for all teams to access and is seen as a neutral, safer ground.
Publicly, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam said the meeting is still on track. He denied any change in plans.
"The Asian Cricket Council is the mother body or governing body of cricket in Asia, and previously we have never hosted a major meeting of the Asian Cricket Council," Aminul said as quoted to the media.
"We will hold an official dinner on the 23rd and the ACC AGM in Dhaka on the 24th (July) in Dhaka where almost every country will participate. This is a big achievement for us, and till now everything is going according to plan (as far as hosting the ACC meeting concerned), and you will receive further updates in due course," he added.
Yet, sources within the ACC reveal that behind the scenes, alternative venues are being explored with Dubai emerging as a strong contender.
There is also a chance that India might join the meeting virtually. But if BCCI officials skip attending in person, their influence on key decisions could be reduced.
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Venue Uncertainty Clouds Asia Cup 2025 Plans
The ACC meeting is crucial for finalising the schedule and venues of the Asia Cup 2025.
Adding to the uncertainty, India recently postponed its tour of Bangladesh scheduled for August. No reason was given by the BCCI, but it was already being reported that the board has taken such a step due to rising geopolitical tensions with Bangladesh.
Also read: ICC to Decide on LA28 Olympics Cricket Qualifiers in Singapore AGM - Reports
