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Asia Cup 2025 Officially Announced; Set to Take Place in UAE from September 9 to 28
Prestigious Tournament Returns Amidst Political Tensions and Scheduling Hurdles
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially confirmed the much-anticipated Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28, 2025. The announcement was made by ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi via a social media post on July 26, ending weeks of speculation and uncertainty.
“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. Details of the schedule will be out soon,” Naqvi said.
India and Pakistan Set for High-Voltage Clashes
The draw sees arch-rivals India and Pakistan placed in Group A alongside UAE and Oman, setting up the possibility of three highly anticipated encounters between the two cricketing giants. The first is scheduled for September 14 during the group stages. Should both teams qualify, they will meet again in the Super Four on September 21, and potentially face off in the final on September 28.
Group B will consist of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. In total, the tournament will feature 19 matches, including one double-header on September 15, and two scheduled rest days on September 22 and 27.
Tournament Format and Group Stage Fixtures
The Asia Cup 2025 will follow the Twenty20 (T20) format, aligning with preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The opening match will see Afghanistan take on Hong Kong on September 9.
Full Group Stage Schedule:
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September 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
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September 10: India vs UAE
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September 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
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September 12: Pakistan vs Oman
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September 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
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September 14: India vs Pakistan
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September 15: UAE vs Oman & Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong (Double header)
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September 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
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September 17: Pakistan vs UAE
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September 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
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September 19: India vs Oman
Super Four Fixtures:
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September 20: B1 vs B2
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September 21: A1 vs A2
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September 23: A2 vs B1
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September 24: A1 vs B2
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September 25: A2 vs B2
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September 26: A1 vs B1
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September 28: Final
Hosting Responsibilities and Venue Insights
Though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was named the official host, the matches will be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, primarily due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. Clearance from the Indian government was required before confirming IndiaтАЩs participation, especially in light of recent military confrontations like Operation Sindoor, launched after a terror attack in Pahalgam.
In a recent statement, Indian Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed that multilateral cricket engagements with Pakistan are permissible, signaling a softer diplomatic tone in anticipation of IndiaтАЩs 2036 Olympic hosting ambitions.
For more updates on how India is preparing for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, read our latest piece on IndiaтАЩs white-ball roadmap.
Eight Nations Ready to Compete for Continental Glory
The eight participating teams will battle it out in a tightly packed 19-day schedule. While India and Pakistan will command most of the attention, emerging teams like UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong will also look to make a mark.
The Asia Cup 2025 will serve as a crucial litmus test for squads eyeing T20 World Cup 2026 contention. All matches are expected to be played under lights with broadcast partners across the globe, ensuring a grand stage for continental cricket.
Cricket Diplomacy Triumphs as Asia Cup Returns
The confirmation of the Asia Cup 2025 comes as a major win for cricket fans across Asia, promising riveting matches, packed stadiums, and plenty of fireworks both on and off the field. With political and commercial hurdles cleared, the focus can finally return to what matters most: the cricket itself.
For more details on the Asia Cup 2025 schedule and ticketing information, visit the official ACC website.
