Asia Cup 2025 to Take Place in UAE From September 9-28: India-Pakistan Blockbuster Matches Loom

Sunday - 27/07/2025 03:09

Clubbed in the same group, India and Pakistan will clash on September 14 initially and again likely a week later in the Super 4 stages

The Asia Cup 2025 is officially scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28. This announcement puts an end to prolonged uncertainty surrounding the tournament.

Asia Cup trophy against the backdrop of the UAE skyline

The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup will be played from September 9 to 28 © AFP

Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), confirmed the dates. "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 scheduled will be out soon," Naqvi stated. He also holds the position of president at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Potential Blockbuster Clashes

India and Pakistan find themselves in Group A, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling series of encounters. The schedule indicates a league stage match on September 14. If both teams advance, they would meet again in the Super 4s stage on September 21. A third clash could occur in the final on September 28.

Overcoming Hurdles

The Asia Cup announcement follows a recent ACC meeting in Dhaka. The confirmation was initially delayed due to commercial negotiations needing resolution by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Government clearance was crucial, especially given previous geopolitical tensions. Despite past military conflicts, the Indian government seems to be adopting a more flexible approach to sporting relations with Pakistan.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently suggested that India is open to engaging with Pakistan in multilateral events. This shift aligns with India's aspirations to host the Olympics in 2036, requiring a welcoming stance towards international sporting competitions.

Tournament Details

The eight participating teams are divided into two groups:

Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman
Group B: Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong

A total of 19 matches are planned, culminating in the final on the last Sunday of September. While the ACC has not yet confirmed the specific venues, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to be the primary hosting cities.

The tournament will commence with a match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong on September 9. September 15 will feature a double-header. There will be rest days on September 22 and 27. The format will be Twenty20 (T20).