Something about early September really brings the cricket fever back, doesn’t it? This time, the Asia Cup 2025 is landing in the United Arab Emirates, and it’s hard not to feel a tingle of anticipation—especially when the tournament kicks off at just the right time.
When & Where Magic Unfolds
The stage is set from September 9 to September 28, 2025, with the UAE playing gracious host to this grand T20 showdown. The opening clash will see Afghanistan take on Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi—an unassuming start that somehow signals something epic is about to happen.
The tournament will weave its way across two stadiums: the Zayed (Sheikh Zayed) Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai International Cricket Stadium—and both will have their moments to shine
Format & Fixtures: A Dance of Rivalries
This time around, eight teams are stepping onto the field:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
- Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong
It’s the classic: group stage → Super Four → grand final. A total of 19 T20 matches are on the menu, culminating in a high-stakes finale in Dubai on September 28.
And yes, the ever-burning India vs Pakistan rivalry isn’t holding back. Expect them to meet at least once in the group stages, possibly again in the Super Four, and—fingers crossed—in the final itself. The first face-off is slated for September 14 in Dubai.
Why It Moved to UAE
Originally, India was set to host. But rising tensions and security concerns made that tricky. So the ACC wisely chose the UAE—a neutral, cricket-savvy venue—to host the magic instead.
A Few Side Notes Worth Noting
- India will open their campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai.
- Pakistan’s squad surprises include omitting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, with Salman Agha leading the side.
- Team India also unveiled a fresh, sponsor-free jersey—clean, crisp, and classy—for this tournament.
- And let’s not forget: this Asia Cup is not just a trophy chase. It’s a steamy warm-up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host
