The Asia Cup 2025 countdown has now begun! Just a matter of weeks remain till Asia’s most celebrated tournament incites frenzied anticipation around the cricket world. Hosting an Asia Cup in an ever-cricket-passionate land of the UAE promises to be a spectacle, as the best from Asia pit against each other for continental supremacy.
With the tournament to be conducted in T20 format ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2026, every match provides a serious opportunity for preparation for the world stage. Here now, an A-Z for Asia Cup 2025 with all information from the dates and venues to teams and potential clashes.
Guide to Asia Cup 2025
A – All You Need to Know
This year’s edition of the Asia Cup will feature eight teams, an expanded format that guarantees more thrilling cricket. It will be held from September 9 to September 28, 2025.
B-UAE
UAE would the only hosting ground, and the matches would be shared between the two best venues in the world:
C-Cricket Format
The tournament will be played in the T20 format, serving as a vital tune-up for the T20 World Cup next year.
D-Dates, Timings & Venues (IST)
Note: All Super Four and Final matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.
E-Excitement: The India vs. Pakistan Showdown
The arch rivalry game between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sept 14 is a guaranteed show-stealer in the group stage. This is a contest that every cricketing eye has been counting down days to. The two teams have a fair chance of playing against each other thrice – in the Super Four, and final if they ever get that far.
F-Final Showdown
The tournament will conclude with the final, which will take place on September 28 at the renowned Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
G-Groups
The eight teams are distributed into two groups:
Group A: India, Pakistan, Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka
H-Home Team Advantage
The home turf will have its part to play as UAE strives for a deep run in the tournament. They begin their campaign against a spirited Indian side on September 10.
I-India’s Squad
India, the defending champions, have announced their squad led by Captain Suryakumar Yadav with Shubman Gill as his deputy.
P-Pakistan’s Squad
Pakistan, with its list of players, made the cut, while omitting big names such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha being the captain.
S-Super Four Stage
Top two from each group will vie into Super Four stage, carrying out a round-robin format where these four sides will meet each other in order to identify the top two who will then proceed to contest for the final.