ACC postpones 2025 Women's Emerging Asia Cup as weather conditions in Sri Lanka deteriorate

The Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to start from Friday, June 6 in Sri Lanka, has been postponed indefinitely due to adverse weather and health conditions, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced in an official release on Monday, June 2.

The decision was taken by the ACC following a letter from Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket, the host board. In the letter, Silva mentioned adverse weather conditions and concerns over the spread of Chikungunya in the region as the reasons for requesting the postponement of the marquee event. The ACC will announce the new dates for the global tournament in due course.

ACC President Mohsin Naqvi said that the organisation is committed to giving young women cricketers a platform like the Emerging Asia Cup to hone their skills and compete at the highest level.

"The ACC is committed to providing opportunities for young women cricketers to develop their skills and compete at the highest level. We understand the strategic significance of this tournament in shaping the future of women's cricket in Asia, and we will work diligently to reschedule the event at the earliest possible date," Naqvi said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Under Shweta Sehrawat's astute leadership, India A won the inaugural edition of the ACC Women's Emerging Asia Cup, which was held in Hong Kong in 2023.  They defeated Bangladesh A by 31 runs in a riveting final. Shreyanka Patil was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with a four-for and winning the Player of the Match award. Teams like Pakistan A, Sri Lanka A, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, hosts Hong Kong, and Malaysia featured in the event.

India A were unbeaten in the campaign. They registered a win against hosts Hong Kong before the matches against Nepal and Pakistan A were abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. The semi-final was also washed out, as India A made it to the final. As it turns out, they will have to wait a little longer before they can defend their title.