The Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) announcement of the Women’s Under 19 Asia Cup groups has added fuel to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. The two cricketing giants have been placed in the same group, alongside Nepal, in Group A of the inaugural tournament.
IND-PAK Champions Trophy issue continues
However, this development is overshadowed by the escalating Champions Trophy row. India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, the designated host, has sparked a diplomatic standoff. Pakistan has threatened to boycott International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments from 2025 to 2031 if their hosting rights are compromised. At the heart of the dispute lies the hosting model. Pakistan insists on fully hosting the Champions Trophy, while India proposes a hybrid model. The impasse has put the tournament in jeopardy, with the ICC facing a daunting challenge in resolving the issue.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Under 19 Asia Cup will serve as a crucial preparatory tournament for Asian teams ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. The tournament will be played in the 20-over format at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Malaysia from December 15-22. India’s title defense in the 2025 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, hosted by Malaysia from January 18 to February 2, makes their performance in the Asia Cup crucial.
Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup details and Schedule
| Women’s U19 Asia Cup 2024 | Details |
| Groups | Group A: India, Pakistan, Nepal Group B: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia |
| Venue | Bayuemas Cricket Oval, Malaysia |
| Tournament Dates | December 15-22, 2024 |
| Group Stage Matches | |
| Sri Lanka vs Malaysia | December 15 |
| India vs Pakistan | December 15 |
| Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | December 16 |
| Pakistan vs Nepal | December 16 |
| Bangladesh vs Malaysia | December 17 |
| India vs Nepal | December 17 |
| 5th Place Playoff Match | December 18 |
| Super Four Stage | |
| A1 vs B1 | December 19 |
| A2 vs B2 | December 19 |
| A1 vs B2 | December 20 |
| A2 vs B1 | December 20 |
| Final | December 22 |
