Asia Cup 2025: Cricket’s Continental Championship Returns with Enhanced Format and New Challengers

Tournament Overview and Significance

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, officially known as the DP World Asia Cup, is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, 2025. This edition will be played in the T20 format, promising fast-paced and thrilling action, with a total of 19 matches that will serve as perfect preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Tournament Format and Teams

Eight teams will be divided into two groups in the initial stage. Group A consists of India, Oman, Pakistan, and hosts United Arab Emirates, while Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The tournament follows a round-robin format, where each team will face every other team in their group once. The top 2 teams from each group will move on to the Super Four stage. In the Super Four, the four teams will compete again in a round-robin format. The top 2 teams from the Super Four will qualify for the final match.

Venue and Schedule Highlights

Of the 19 matches in the Asia Cup 2025, 11, including the final, will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium while Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium will host the remaining eight. The highly-anticipated India vs Pakistan match will take place on September 14 in Dubai, with the possibility of these rivals meeting up to three times should they progress to the Super 4 stage and the final.

Historical Context and Tournament Significance

Defending champions India are the most successful team in Asia Cup cricket history having won the title eight times. Sri Lanka have won the Asia Cup six times, while Pakistan have emerged triumphant twice. The tournament tickets are now available online, having gone live on August 29, 2025. Fans can attend matches in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi venues from September 9 to 28.