
The Women's Asia Cup is likely heading to the UAE, but the ACC has not made a formal announcement yet. Here's what we know and why it matters for the Gulf.
The UAE is the frontrunner to host the Women’s Asia Cup, according to reports, though the Asian Cricket Council has yet to officially confirm the venue or schedule. If confirmed, it would mark another major women’s cricket event staged on Gulf soil, underlining the UAE’s growing status as a go-to destination for international cricket tournaments.

Sources familiar with the planning process indicate that the UAE is in advanced consideration to host the tournament. The ACC has been in discussions over logistics and venue arrangements, but no formal announcement has been made public. Until the governing body speaks, the host status remains unofficial.
The UAE has hosted several high-profile cricket events in recent years, including ICC and ACC tournaments, making it a familiar and well-equipped option for Asian cricket administrators.
The UAE offers world-class cricket infrastructure, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with favorable weather windows during certain parts of the year. Its neutral-venue status also makes it politically straightforward for the ACC when hosting competitions involving teams from nations with complex bilateral relations.
Dubai International Stadium and the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi have both hosted international fixtures at the highest level, giving the ACC confidence in the country’s delivery capabilities.
Hosting the Women’s Asia Cup would be more than a logistical win. It sends a signal that the Gulf is invested in growing women’s sport, not just men’s. The UAE has been working to position itself as a hub for global sporting events, and a high-profile women’s cricket tournament adds meaningful weight to that ambition.
A large South Asian diaspora across the UAE and wider Gulf region also means built-in fan interest. Matches involving India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh would draw passionate crowds from communities already living here.
| Team | Recent Asia Cup Appearances |
|---|---|
| India | Multiple-time champions |
| Sri Lanka | Regular contenders, former winners |
| Bangladesh | Consistent participants |
| Pakistan | Regular participants |
| Thailand / Malaysia | Associate-level entrants |
No date has been given for a formal announcement. The ACC typically confirms host nations and schedules weeks ahead of a tournament, though major events are often locked in earlier through internal board decisions. Cricket fans and broadcasters will be watching for an official statement from the council.
For now, the UAE cricket community and event planners are likely in a holding pattern, awaiting the green light before public preparations can begin in earnest.
Once the ACC confirms the host, expect a rapid rollout of fixture schedules, ticketing information and broadcast deals. Given the interest from broadcasters across South Asia and the Gulf, commercial arrangements are likely already in progress behind the scenes.
For the latest developments on this story, see the original report from ESPN.
If the UAE is confirmed as host, do you think the Gulf’s cricket-loving diaspora will turn out in full force to support their teams? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.






