Key Points
- Asia Cup 2025 will run from September 9 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates, with Pakistan as the official host.
- Tournament to feature eight teams and serve as a major buildup to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
- India and Pakistan expected in the same group, raising chances of up to three classic encounters including a potential final.
- 19 T20 matches scheduled with participation from emerging teams like Oman and Hong Kong.
- First India-Pakistan cricket contest since diplomatic tensions rose in April after the Pahalgam terror attack.
New Delhi: Cricket fans can rejoice as the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 will take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28, tournament host Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed via social media. The continent’s premier T20 showdown is poised to deliver high drama, with the potential for up to three thrilling India vs. Pakistan matches likely to be among the most watched sporting events of the year.
PCB Chairman Naqvi Announces Dates, Neutral Venue for Asia Cup
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi said, “I am happy to announce the dates for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, to be played in the UAE. This prestigious event will run from 9 to 28 September. Get ready for unforgettable cricket action!” While Pakistan retains official hosting rights, political tensions between India and Pakistan and India’s longstanding stance against playing bilaterally in Pakistan ed to the move to a neutral venue, as per Asian Cricket Council (ACC) guidelines.
Tournament Format and Teams
The 2025 edition features eight teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, UAE, and Oman. The tournament will follow the T20 format, serving as a prime rehearsal for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
- 19 matches scheduled: Group stage, Super 4, and final.
- All key games will be played in world-class stadiums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Multiple Potential India vs Pakistan Matches
Tournament draw details suggest India and Pakistan are likely to be in the same group, virtually guaranteeing a clash in the group stage. If both sides progress, they could meet again in the Super 4 and possibly in the grand finale meaning as many as three epic India-Pakistan encounters.
This will be the first faceoff between the rivals since diplomatic relations took a hit after the Pahalgam terror attack in April. With both nations’ world-class lineups, the stakes have never been higher.
Stakes & Significance
- India enters as reigning champion, having clinched the Asia Cup 2023 under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
- The tournament offers a critical opportunity for teams to fine-tune strategies and gauge form ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Cricket’s Biggest Rivalry Returns
With political undertones and sporting passion combined, India vs. Pakistan matches are expected to dominate headlines and attract massive global audiences, both at the stadiums and on digital platforms. Security, logistics, and fan engagement are all set for heightened focus given the charged geopolitical context.
Cricket fans, mark your calendars: The Asia Cup 2025 promises non-stop T20 excitement, new records, and the ultimate India-Pakistan rivalry on neutral turf.
