Key Points:
- Asia Cup 2025 starts September 9: 19-day tournament in UAE featuring 8 Asian teams
- India vs Pakistan clash September 14: Premium tickets available through special ACC packages
- Three ticket packages launched: Starting from AED 475 (₹11,000) to AED 525 (₹12,500)
- UAE hosts tournament: Dubai International Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi venues
- T20 format: First Asia Cup in T20I format since 2022, with India as defending champions
- Super Four stage: Top 2 teams from each group advance to knockout rounds starting September 20
- Final on September 28: Championship match at Dubai International Stadium
New Delhi: The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is set to commence on September 9, 2025, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) launching official ticket sales for what promises to be one of the most competitive cricket tournaments of the year. The 19-day tournament in the UAE will feature eight teams competing in the T20 International format.
Ticket Packages and Pricing Structure
The ACC has introduced three comprehensive ticket packages to cater to different fan preferences and budgets, with special emphasis on the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan encounter.
Package 1: Group Stage Bonanza
- Coverage: All Group A matches featuring India, Pakistan, Oman, and UAE
- Starting price: AED 475 (approximately ₹11,000)
- Key attraction: Includes the blockbuster India vs Pakistan match on September 14
- Venue: Primarily Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Package 2: Super Four Excitement
- Coverage: All Super Four stage matches (September 20-26)
- Starting price: AED 525 (approximately ₹12,500)
- Format: Top two teams from each group compete in round-robin format
- Venues: Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi stadiums
Package 3: Premium Championship Experience
- Coverage: Two crucial Super Four matches plus the Final
- Matches included: A2 vs B2 (Sept 25), A1 vs B1 (Sept 26), Final (Sept 28)
- Starting price: AED 525 (approximately ₹12,500)
- Highlight: Guaranteed access to the championship match
Tournament Format and Structure
The 2025 Asia Cup features a revamped format with eight teams divided into two groups of four, marking a departure from previous editions.
Group A Composition:
- India (Defending champions, led by Suryakumar Yadav)
- Pakistan (Led by Salman Ali Agha)
- Oman (Led by Jatinder Singh)
- United Arab Emirates (Hosts)
Group B Composition:
- Afghanistan (Led by Rashid Khan)
- Bangladesh (Led by Litton Das)
- Sri Lanka (Led by Charith Asalanka)
- Hong Kong (Led by Yasim Murtaza)
Complete Tournament Schedule
Group Stage Highlights:
| Date | Teams | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9 | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 10 | India vs UAE | Dubai | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 12 | Pakistan vs Oman | Dubai | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 14 | India vs Pakistan | Dubai | 7:30 PM |
| Sep 19 | India vs Oman | Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM |
Super Four Stage (September 20-26):
The top two teams from each group will compete in a single round-robin format, with matches scheduled across both venues. The final two teams will contest the championship on September 28 at Dubai International Stadium.
Venue Details and Accessibility
Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Capacity: 25,000 spectators
- Matches hosted: 11 games including the final
- Key features: State-of-the-art facilities with excellent viewing angles
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Capacity: 20,000 spectators
- Matches hosted: 8 games
- Advantage: Cooler evening conditions due to revised schedule
Star Players and Team Strengths
India Squad Highlights:
Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Key players: Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
Strength: Defending champions with strong T20 pedigree
Pakistan Squad Highlights:
Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Key players: Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf
Challenge: Rebuilding phase with new leadership
Afghanistan Squad:
Captain: Rashid Khan
X-factor: Strong spin bowling attack with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad
Recent form: Consistent performers in T20 cricket
Historical Context and Significance
This tournament marks the first Asia Cup to be held entirely in T20 format since 2022, with India entering as defending champions after their victory in the previous edition. The venue shift to UAE occurred due to security concerns following regional tensions, making it a neutral ground for all participating nations.
Ticket Availability and Purchase Options
Online booking: Currently available through ACC’s official portal
Offline sales: Expected to begin in the coming days at both stadium box offices
Payment options: Multiple currencies accepted including AED and INR
Special offers: Platinum list members eligible for exclusive discounts
The tournament represents a crucial preparation ground for teams ahead of major international competitions, with the T20 format ensuring high-intensity, entertainment-packed cricket across 19 action-filled days.
Fans planning to attend are advised to book early given the historical demand for India-Pakistan matches and the limited capacity of UAE venues compared to larger cricket stadiums worldwide.
