Mohsin Naqvi serves as the ACC chief [Source: AFP]In a major development ahead of another busy season in women's cricket, the Asian Cricket Council, headed by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has finalised the window for the Women's Asia Cup 2026. While the governing body is yet to unveil the complete fixture list, participating nations have already been informed about the tournament dates to begin their preparations.The Women's Asia Cup 2026 is expected to be held in the United Arab Emirates with eight Asian teams set to battle for continental supremacy. The tournament is also set to revive one of the biggest rivalries in world cricket, with India and Pakistan likely to square off once again on the continental stage. Although an official announcement regarding the schedule and venues is still awaited, member boards have already been advised to keep the dates reserved.Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Dates RevealedAs per a Cricinfo report, Mohsin Naqvi’s ACC has internally communicated the tournament window to all eight participating teams, confirming that the Women's Asia Cup will be played between August 28 and September 13.The competition is expected to feature Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand and hosts United Arab Emirates. According to the communication sent to participating boards, teams are expected to arrive on August 27, with the final scheduled for September 13.With both India and Pakistan among the eight participating teams, fans can once again look forward to one of cricket's most anticipated contests. Although the match schedule is yet to be announced, the two arch-rivals are expected to renew their rivalry in the UAE during the Women's Asia Cup 2026.Interestingly, the official branding process has already begun. The ACC circulated the tournament logo among participating nations too, signalling that preparations are well underway despite the absence of a formal public announcement.The Women's Asia Cup has grown into one of the biggest tournaments in women's cricket since its inception in 2004. Initially played as a One-Day competition, the event switched to the T20 format in 2012 and has continued in that format ever since. Historically, India have been the most successful side in the competition, winning seven titles across both ODI and T20 formats. However, Sri Lanka enter this edition as defending champions after defeating India in the 2024 final.Also Read- Smriti Mandhana vs Harmanpreet Kaur: Who Is A Better T20 Captain?Why has the Women's Asia Cup 2026 schedule not been revealed yet?Despite confirming the tournament window to participating countries, the ACC has not officially published the match schedule, venues or group-stage fixtures.The primary reason appears to be that the final approval from the ACC leadership is still pending. Since Mohsin Naqvi currently serves as the President of the Asian Cricket Council, the governing body is awaiting clearance before making the complete tournament details public.In the communication sent to member boards on July 22, the ACC informed teams that the venue was still being finalised while expressing confidence that the tournament would proceed according to the proposed dates.The uncertainty also briefly led to an unusual situation involving the BCCI. India had announced their squad for the Women's Asia Cup before later withdrawing the announcement, as the ACC had not yet formally unveiled the tournament. When To Expect The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Full Schedule?With the tournament less than a month away, the complete schedule is expected to be released shortly after the ACC receives its final administrative clearance.Given that participating teams are scheduled to assemble in the UAE on August 27, the governing body is likely to announce the fixtures, venues and group-stage schedule well before teams begin travelling.Once confirmed, the Women's Asia Cup 2026 will become the 10th edition of the tournament. Over the years, the competition has witnessed India's prolonged dominance before Bangladesh broke the monopoly by winning the 2018 title. Apart from the battle for the trophy, the India vs Pakistan fixture is expected to be among the biggest attractions of the tournament.The upcoming edition therefore promises another fascinating chapter in the tournament's history. Sri Lanka will attempt to defend their crown, India will look to reclaim the title they lost two years ago, while teams such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and the UAE will aim to make a deep run in one of Asian cricket's biggest women's events.Also Read- BCCI Selects 2 More Indian Players For Sri Lanka Tour 2026
