The Asian Cricket Council has officially announced that the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will take place in the United Arab Emirates UAE. The tournament is scheduled from September 9 to September 28, 2025. This confirmation came from Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the ACC and also the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board . He shared the news through social media on July 26, ending the suspense and uncertainty that had been growing over the tournament’s venue and schedule.
T20 Format and List of Participating Teams Confirmed
The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup will be played in the T20 International T20I format, featuring a total of eight teams. Among them are the five full members of the Asian Cricket Council India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan each bringing a rich history of competitive cricket to the tournament. Joining them are three associate nations that qualified through the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup: the United Arab Emirates which will also host the tournament , Oman, and Hong Kong.

This exciting mix of experienced cricketing giants and emerging teams will deliver a vibrant and competitive tournament, showcasing Asia’s growing depth of talent.
Tournament Structure: Group Stage, Super Four, and Final
The format of the Asia Cup 2025 will follow a familiar structure. First, tournament organizers will divide the eight participating teams into two groups, each consisting of four teams. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Four stage. After the Super Four round-robin matches, the top two teams will secure their spots in the grand final, scheduled for September 28.
This structure ensures that fans will enjoy a minimum of 19 matches packed into 20 days, offering non-stop action and excitement.
India vs Pakistan Rivalry to Light Up the Tournament
One of the most anticipated highlights of the Asia Cup 2025 is the classic rivalry between India and Pakistan. Widely considered one of the biggest showdowns in international cricket, this fierce competition always brings excitement, emotions, and high viewership. Cricket fans around the world eagerly wait for these matches, and this year’s tournament could offer up to three thrilling encounters between the two nations.

The first confirmed clash is scheduled for September 14 during the group stage. If both India and Pakistan advance to the Super Four stage, they will face each other once again on September 21, setting the stage for another high-stakes battle. Should both teams make it to the final, cricket lovers could witness a third and possibly most intense match on September 28, turning the tournament into a true spectacle. matches are often the highlights of any cricket tournament and attract millions of viewers worldwide.
Why UAE Will Host the Tournament Instead of India
India technically holds the hosting rights for the Asia Cup 2025, but the organizers have decided to play all matches in the UAE. Ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan have made it difficult for Pakistan to play matches in India, prompting this move.
To ensure the smooth participation of all teams especially India and Pakistan the Asian Cricket Council chose a neutral venue. The UAE stood out as the best option because of its excellent facilities, proven security, and favorable climate during that time of year.
Fans Eagerly Waiting for Full Match Schedule and Venues
As soon as officials announce the fixtures, fans eagerly plan their trips, secure tickets, and closely track their favorite teams throughout the tournament. This excitement and anticipation reflect the Asia Cup’s importance in the cricket calendar, especially with such a strong lineup of teams and electrifying rivalries.
The Asia Cup 2025 is shaping up to be a memorable tournament. With top teams competing in a fast-paced format, classic rivalries like India vs Pakistan, and a welcoming host nation in the UAE, cricket lovers have every reason to get excited.
This tournament not only brings the continent together through sport but also offers a perfect buildup to the global stage in 2026. Fans across Asia and beyond will be eagerly waiting for September to arrive so the cricketing fireworks can begin.