The second edition of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, originally set to start on June 6 in Sri Lanka, has been postponed. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the decision on Monday, citing “adverse weather conditions” and “health concerns owing to chikungunya disease” as the key reasons for the delay.
Naqvi emphasized the ACC’s commitment to nurturing young women cricketers and acknowledged the tournament’s crucial role in developing women’s cricket across Asia. The postponement came after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Shammi Silva formally requested the ACC to defer the event due to the ongoing monsoon season and a rise in chikungunya cases. Sri Lanka’s meteorological department had issued warnings about strong winds and heavy rain affecting several provinces, raising safety concerns.
The ACC will announce new dates for the tournament soon. The inaugural Women’s Emerging Asia Cup was held in Hong Kong in 2023, where India A defeated Bangladesh A by 31 runs in the final. Eight teams competed across 15 matches, with Shreyanka Patil being named player of the series.
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over India’s participation in both the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup and the men’s Asia Cup later this year, as the BCCI has yet to communicate its decision to the ACC. India is scheduled to host the men’s six-team Asia Cup in September.