Tilak Varma and Pakistan team - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, there is a fresh update on the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup. Bangladesh will continue as the hosts despite reports that the tournament might be moved out of Bangladesh.
For the unversed, the next edition of the Asia Cup is in 2027, which will be played in an ODI format.rmat. The Men in Blue are the defending champions as they defeated Sri Lanka in a one-sided final in 2023. Team India are also the defending champions in the T20 format.
Now, 2027 is also the ODI World Cup year, which is why there was uncertainty around the window for Asia Cup 2027. However, the doubt is resolved as the dates are finally out.
Asia Cup 2027 To Be Played In June 2027
A report from Pakistan journalist Saleem Khaliq mentioned that Asia Cup 2027 will be played from 18 June to 4 July. The upcoming continental event will serve as a practice ground for the all-important ODI World Cup later that year in South Africa.
Like last edition, 6 teams are expected to feature in the Asia Cup 2027. So far, neither of the participating boards has officially confirmed the dates for the prestigious Asian tournament.
Bangladesh To Continue As Hosts
Notably, Asia Cup’s hosting rights are given on a rotational basis. Sri Lanka did it in 2023, and Bangladesh was announced as the host for the 2027 Asia Cup. However, there were reports that Bangladesh might be stripped of their hosting rights because of the strained relations with India.
The issues began when the BCCI asked KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad due to anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh. In reply, the BCB decided not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup and was replaced by Scotland.
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Also, India were supposed to travel to Bangladesh in 2026 but the series was post-poned because of the high tensions between the two countries - India and Bangladesh.
At present, BCB is seeking to improve its relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The newly appointed regime, under Aminul Haque's leadership, has prioritised mending cricket relations with India, which is why Bangladesh will continue as the hosts and India too will travel to Bangladesh.
BCB To Elect Next ACC President
As per the rotation policy, Mohsin Naqvi’s tenure as ACC chief will end in April 2027, and the BCB will get the chance to elect the next president. Therefore, even if there is some tension between India and Bangladesh when the Asia Cup get close, it is unlikely that the new ACC chief would look to favour the BCCI.
Sri Lanka and India are next on the list to host ACC events and the list will be released eventually.
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