Guwahati, Sep 6 (NationPress) As the Asia Cup approaches and the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is set to kick off later this month, BCCI Secretary Devajit Lon Saikia expressed his insights on India's preparations, governance protocols, and forthcoming events.

India will commence their Group A journey against the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10, followed by a crucial match against Pakistan at the same venue on September 14, and then they will take on Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19.

This 17th edition of the Asia Cup signifies India’s first T20I appearance since their 4-1 series victory over England in January. The tournament also acts as a vital preparation platform for the next year’s T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka, where India will compete as the defending champions.

Saikia expressed optimism regarding India’s prospects in the Asia Cup.

“We have immense confidence in India’s performance. The team is excelling in both white-ball and red-ball formats. Given that this Asia Cup is contested in T20 format and India holds the title, there is a strong belief that the team is at its peak and poised to excel in the upcoming tournament,” Saikia remarked to IANS on Saturday.

The six-nation tournament will feature India and Pakistan clashing on September 14 in Dubai, with a possibility of a rematch during the Super Four stage on September 21.

Regarding the much-debated prospect of India facing Pakistan, Saikia reaffirmed the BCCI’s commitment to aligning with the central government’s policies.

“The BCCI consistently adheres to the directives of the central government. In matters involving international political dynamics or sports regulations, we must follow the government's guidelines. Like any sporting authority, the BCCI is obligated to comply with the central government’s decisions.

“In the Asia Cup, India will compete against all participating nations due to its multinational nature, and we have no alternative. However, if it were a bilateral series with a nation with which India has strained relations, the BCCI could decide whether to proceed or not,” he stated.

The central government has outlined clear protocols for all sports organizations, including the BCCI, and we meticulously adhere to these guidelines.”

On the recent discussion surrounding Virat Kohli’s fitness, Saikia opted for caution: “I don’t believe there is any official confirmation regarding this, so I prefer not to comment.”

The BCCI is scheduled to conduct its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its headquarters in Mumbai on September 28, with elections being a key agenda, as stated by Secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday. The BCCI is set to hold elections for five key positions: president, vice-president, secretary, joint secretary, and treasurer.

Shifting attention to women’s cricket, Saikia unveiled insights about the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, which will occur from September 30 to November 2. “From September 30 to November 2, India will host the ICC Women’s World Cup, a 50-over tournament. Matches will take place across five venues in India and two in Sri Lanka, with the Indian team playing the majority of their matches at home.

“Guwahati will host the inaugural match on September 30, which will also feature the opening ceremony. Details of the ceremony, including the list of performing artists, will be announced soon. One artist has already been confirmed — Shreya Ghoshal, who will perform the tournament’s theme song. Additional events for the opening ceremony are being finalized, and further updates will be shared once everything is confirmed.”