UAE likely venue for Women's Asia Cup, ACC yet to publish schedule

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has yet to publish the official schedule, venue and timings for the 2026 Women's Asia Cup T20, although preparations for hosting the tournament are in their final stages. However, cricket news outlet Cricinfo has reported that the tournament, expected to begin later this month, is most likely to be held in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the report, the eight-team tournament may be held from August 28 to September 13. The only thing remaining for an official announcement on the schedule and venue is the final approval of the ACC leadership. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi currently serves as the ACC President. Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand and hosts UAE are scheduled to take part in this edition. Although the official schedule has not been published, the ACC has asked the participating countries to continue preparations according to the possible dates.

It has been learned that an email with the tournament logo was sent to the eight participating countries on July 22. The teams have also been asked to be ready to arrive in the UAE by August 27. However, the participating boards are awaiting the full schedule to finalise travel plans, accommodation and other logistical arrangements. An awkward situation has also arisen. On Sunday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its squad for the Women's Asia Cup but later withdrew it, as the ACC has yet to officially publish the tournament schedule.

The last Women's Asia Cup, held in Sri Lanka in 2024, was also played in the T20 format. Hosts Sri Lanka won the title for the first time in that edition, defeating India in the final. On the other hand, Bangladesh won their first Women's Asia Cup title in 2018 with a historic victory against India. That was also a T20 edition.

This tournament, if held, will be the sixth T20 edition of the Women's Asia Cup. A total of nine editions have been held so far, combining ODI and T20 formats. India have won seven titles, while Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have won once each. Notably, both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka won their titles in the T20 format.