Prominent Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after it was announced that Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the United Arab Emirates under India’s official hosting rights.

 

The decision confirmed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi was followed by the schedule announcement that did not sit well with Indian experts.

 

Among said experts was Gupta, who, during a TV programme, questioned India’s diminishing influence in the cricketing world. "Is India no longer a superpower in cricket? It seems the BCCI no longer has any say," he said.

 

He highlighted the inconsistency in BCCI’s stance, saying, "They initially refused to attend the meeting in Dhaka, but now they joined the meeting virtually. This is nothing but a complete U-turn."

 

Earlier, the BCCI had expressed reservations over the ACC meeting being held in Dhaka, citing political tensions between India and Bangladesh. 

 

Reports suggested the board even threatened to boycott the meeting unless the venue was changed. However, Naqvi remained firm in his decision, and the meeting was held as schedule in Dhaka on Thursday with BCCI Secretary-General Rajeev Shukla attending online.

 

Following the virtual meeting, Naqvi officially announced the schedule for Asia Cup 2025, which will take place from September 9 to 28 in the UAE.

 

According to the fixtures, Group A consists of Pakistan, India, UAE and Oman, whereas Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

 

The tournament will kick off with a clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Pakistan will begin their campaign on September 12 against Oman.

 

The much-anticipated group-stage match between Pakistan and India is scheduled for September 14. Pakistan will then play their third group match against UAE on September 17.

 

The final of the Asia Cup will be held on September 28.