The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place from September 9 to September 28, 2025. Although India is the official host, the matches will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.
Date & Host
- The 17th Asia Cup will take place from September 9 to September 28, 2025, hosted by India but played entirely in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a neutral venue.
- Matches will follow the Twenty20 International (T20I) format, serving as warm-up for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Participants & Format
- The tournament features 8 teams:
- Automatic qualifiers: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan
- Qualifiers from 2024 ACC Premier Cup: UAE, Oman, Hong Kong.
- Format:
- Group Stage: Two groups of four teams each.
- Super Four stage: Top two from each group join to determine finalists.
- Final: Top two teams from Super Four.
- A total of 19 matches are scheduled.
Key Fixtures & India–Pakistan Showdowns
- India and Pakistan are placed in the same group.
- They will meet at least once in the Group Stage, with potential rematches in the Super Four and, if both qualify, the Final—making up to three clashes possible.
- Scheduled India–Pakistan outings:
- September 14 – Group Stage match in Dubai.
- If both progress: Super Four clash ~September 20–24; then potentially the Final on September 28.
Venue & Broadcasting
- All matches will likely be held in major UAE cricket venues (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah), chosen due to India–Pakistan tension not allowing bilateral home matches.
- In India, the broadcast rights are held by Sony Sports Network, leveraging the high viewership for India–Pakistan games.
India’s Status & Background Context
- India enters as the defending champions, having won the 2023 edition by beating Sri Lanka in the final by 10 wickets.
- Previously, India hosted the Asia Cup only in 1990–91; this marks the first return of India as host in 34 years, albeit via a neutral venue arrangement.
Quick Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 9 – 28, 2025 |
| Format | T20 International |
| Teams | 8 (5 Full members + UAE, Oman, HK) |
| Total Matches | 19 |
| Group Structure | Two groups → Super Four → Final |
| India–Pakistan fixtures | Up to 3 clashes possible |
| Host | India (official), Venue: UAE |
