Asia Cup 2025: Eight Nations Set for Cricket’s Continental Showdown in UAE
Major Cricket Tournament Returns to UAE
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is officially scheduled to take place from September 9 to 28, 2025, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This edition will be played in the T20 format, promising fast-paced and thrilling action for cricket fans around the world.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains the official host of the tournament, it is being played in the UAE due to the recent conflict between India and Pakistan. The arrangement comes before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Tournament Format and Teams
Eight teams will be divided into two groups in the initial stage before Super Four and the Final are played. Group A consists of India, Oman, Pakistan, and hosts United Arab Emirates, while Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.
The tournament follows a round-robin format, where each team will face every other team in their group once. The top 2 teams from each group will move on to the Super Four stage. In the Super Four, the four teams will compete again in a round-robin format. The top 2 teams from the Super Four will qualify for the final match.
Venues and Schedule Highlights
The Asia Cup 2025 venues include Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where the tournament will follow the T20I format and provide thrilling encounters between some of the best cricketing nations in Asia.
The tournament’s schedule is set to take place in the second half of the year, with matches to be held in the UAE’s two iconic cricket stadiums. The tournament will begin with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong on September 9 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and conclude with the final on September 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The two venues will host the entire tournament – comprising 19 matches.
Tournament Significance
This tournament serves as an essential preparation time for sides preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Hosted across two venues – Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the tournament will provide thrilling encounters between some of the best cricketing nations in Asia.
Holders India are the most successful team, having won the title on eight occasions. Sri Lanka are not far behind, with six titles to their name. Afghanistan and Bangladesh have never won the title, but with Sri Lanka and two-time winners Pakistan struggling in 2025, this tournament may represent their best-ever opportunity to win an Asia Cup crown.
