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0 The Asia Cup 2025, the 17th edition of Asia’s premier cricket tournament, is poised to deliver a month of electrifying T20 cricket from September 9 to September 28, 2025. Hosted in the United Arab Emirates, the tournament will feature eight teams battling for continental supremacy at two iconic venues: Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), this T20 format event serves as a crucial prelude to the 2026 T20 World Cup, promising high-octane clashes, fierce rivalries, and emerging talent on display.
Tournament Overview
The Asia Cup 2025 will see eight teams—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Hong Kong—competing across 19 matches. The teams are divided into two groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Oman
- Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong
Each team will play a round-robin format within their group, with the top two teams from each advancing to the Super Four stage. The Super Four will follow a similar round-robin format, with the top two teams qualifying for the final on September 28 in Dubai. The tournament’s structure ensures intense competition, with the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash set to draw global attention.
Full Schedule of Asia Cup 2025
Below is the complete schedule for the Asia Cup 2025, with match timings in GMT and local UAE time (all matches are day-night fixtures):
- September 9, 2025: Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong, Group B – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 10, 2025: India vs. United Arab Emirates, Group A – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 11, 2025: Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong, Group B – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 12, 2025: Pakistan vs. Oman, Group A – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 13, 2025: Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, Group B – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 14, 2025: India vs. Pakistan, Group A – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 15, 2025: Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka, Group B – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 16, 2025: United Arab Emirates vs. Oman, Group A – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 17, 2025: United Arab Emirates vs. Pakistan, Group A – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 18, 2025: Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh, Group B – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 19, 2025: India vs. Oman, Group A – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 20, 2025: Super Four, Match 1 (B1 vs. B2) – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 21, 2025: Super Four, Match 2 (A1 vs. A2) – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 23, 2025: Super Four, Match 3 (A2 vs. B1) – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 24, 2025: Super Four, Match 4 (A1 vs. B2) – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 25, 2025: Super Four, Match 5 (A2 vs. B2) – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 26, 2025: Super Four, Match 6 (A1 vs. B1) – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
- September 28, 2025: Final – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM LOCAL)
Note: The schedule is subject to change. Fans are advised to check official ACC or ticketing platforms for updates.
Teams and Players to Watch
India, the defending champions with eight Asia Cup titles, will enter as favorites under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. The squad features a potent mix of experience and youth, with Jasprit Bumrah spearheading the pace attack. However, the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal has sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, will aim to challenge India’s dominance, with Shaheen Afridi’s fiery pace expected to trouble batters. Sri Lanka, with six titles, and Bangladesh, known for their spin-heavy attack, will also be strong contenders. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and UAE’s emerging talents add unpredictability, while Oman and Hong Kong aim to cause upsets.
The India-Pakistan encounter on September 14 in Dubai is the tournament’s marquee clash, with potential for additional meetings in the Super Four and final. This rivalry, intensified by the absence of bilateral series, is expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide.
Venues and Ticketing
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the final, while Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will stage eight games. Both venues are renowned for their world-class facilities and vibrant atmospheres, ensuring an unforgettable experience for fans.
Tickets will soon be available through platforms like Paytm, Insider, and BookMyShow, with offline sales at select retail outlets in major UAE cities. Fans are encouraged to monitor official ACC and BCCI announcements for ticketing details, including prices and booking dates.
Historical Context and Significance
Since its inception in 1983, the Asia Cup has been a stage for thrilling cricketing moments and regional rivalries. India leads the title count with eight wins, followed by Sri Lanka (six) and Pakistan (two). The 2023 edition, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, saw India dominate, defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final, with Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul stealing the show.
The 2025 tournament, played in the T20 format, aligns with preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup, offering teams a chance to fine-tune strategies. The event also highlights the growth of cricket in Asia, with associate nations like UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong showcasing their progress.
What to Expect
Fans can anticipate a festival of T20 cricket, with aggressive batting, crafty spin, and pace bowling set to dominate. The tournament’s neutral venue in the UAE ensures participation from all teams, sidestepping political tensions that have influenced past editions. Off the field, the Asia Cup fosters regional unity through sport, bringing fans together for a shared celebration of cricket.
Stay tuned for live updates, points tables, and match highlights as the Asia Cup 2025 unfolds. Whether it’s a last-ball thriller or a record-breaking performance, this tournament is set to deliver unforgettable moments.
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