The Asian Cricket Council has unveiled the schedule for the 2025 Asia Cup, a T20 cricket extravaganza running from September 9 to 28 in the UAE. Eight teams, including arch-rivals India and Pakistan, will battle it out in a tournament designed to captivate fans and prep for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Full Match Schedule
Kicking off with Afghanistan versus Hong Kong, the 17th Asia Cup will unfold across group stages, Super Four rounds, and a final in Dubai. Matches are set for Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium and Dubai’s International Cricket Stadium, with most games starting at 7:30 PM IST.
Group Stage Matches:
- Sep 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Group B, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 10: India vs UAE, Group A, Dubai
- Sep 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Group B, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman, Group A, Dubai
- Sep 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Group B, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 14: India vs Pakistan, Group A, Dubai
- Sep 15: UAE vs Oman, Group A, Abu Dhabi, 3:30 PM IST
- Sep 15: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Group B, Dubai
- Sep 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Group B, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE, Group A, Dubai
- Sep 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Group B, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 19: India vs Oman, Group A, Abu Dhabi
Super Four and Final:
- Sep 20-26: Top two teams from each group, Dubai/Abu Dhabi
- Sep 28: Final, Dubai
Teams and Format
Group A comprises India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Teams play each other once in the group stage, with the top two advancing to the Super Four. There, they compete in a round-robin, with the top two reaching the September 28 final. The format maximizes high-voltage games, especially the India-Pakistan showdown on September 14.
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Background and Importance
Since its inception in 1984, the Asia Cup has been a cornerstone of regional cricket, with India holding seven titles and Sri Lanka six. The 2025 edition expands to eight teams, reflecting the sport’s growing reach in Asia. Hosted in the UAE for logistical reasons, it’s a critical stepping stone for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The India-Pakistan clash is already generating buzz, with fans flooding social media. One user quipped, “September 14 is marked—Dubai’s about to light up!”
Broadcast and Fan Access
Fans in India can catch every match live on SonyLIV. For those planning ahead, the full schedule is available as a PDF on sites like Cricbuzz or ESPNcricinfo.
What’s Next
With the schedule locked in, teams are gearing up for a fierce competition. The Asian Cricket Council highlighted the tournament’s role in uniting fans across borders. Will India defend their 2023 crown, or will a new champion rise? The stage is set for a thrilling September.
