The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup is officially set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28, marking the end of weeks of uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s fate. The confirmation came from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“I am delighted to confirm the dates of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket,” Naqvi announced on July 26 through a social media post.
The tournament will be played in T20 format, acting as a preparatory event for the T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The full schedule, including 19 matches across two groups, was also revealed. Although the exact venues are yet to be officially announced, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to host the matches.
India vs Pakistan Clash on September 14, Potentially Three Meetings Possible
One of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures—India vs Pakistan—is scheduled for September 14 in the group stage. If both teams qualify for the Super 4s, they’ll face off again on September 21, with a possible third encounter in the final on September 28.
The eight participating teams are divided into two groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
The tournament begins with Afghanistan vs Hong Kong on September 9, and features the only double-header on September 15. Rest days are scheduled for September 22 and 27.
Political Tensions Give Way to Sporting Diplomacy
The announcement follows a previously tense ACC meeting in Dhaka, where geopolitical frictions between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh had delayed progress. With India previously engaged in military conflict with Pakistan, the participation of both sides had been uncertain. However, clearance from the Indian government—likely influenced by India’s 2036 Olympic ambitions—allowed the tournament to proceed.
India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently indicated that while bilateral cricket with Pakistan remains off the table, participation in multilateral events is not an issue.
Asia Cup 2025 Match Schedule
Group Stage:
- Sept 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
- Sept 10: India vs UAE
- Sept 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
- Sept 12: Pakistan vs Oman
- Sept 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
- Sept 14: India vs Pakistan
- Sept 15: UAE vs Oman & Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
- Sept 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
- Sept 17: Pakistan vs UAE
- Sept 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
- Sept 19: India vs Oman
Super 4s:
- Sept 20: B1 vs B2
- Sept 21: A1 vs A2
- Sept 23: A2 vs B1
- Sept 24: A1 vs B2
- Sept 25: A2 vs B2
- Sept 26: A1 vs B1
Final:
- Sept 28
