Asia Cup 2025: UAE to Host Expanded Eight-Team Tournament with Potential Triple India-Pakistan Clash

8 September 2025 Cricket

Tournament Overview and Significance

The 2025 Men’s Asia Cup, officially known as the DP World Asia Cup, will be the 17th edition of the prestigious tournament. The competition is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, 2025, and will be played in the Twenty20 International (T20I) format.

While India remains the official host, the tournament was moved to the UAE due to an agreement between the BCCI and PCB. The ACC decided to organise the entire tournament in the UAE due to logistical complications and the compact nature of the competition.

Participating Teams and Format

Eight teams will participate in the tournament: the five full members of the Asian Cricket Council – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – along with United Arab Emirates, Oman and Hong Kong, who qualified through the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup.

The teams are divided into two groups for 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.

Venue and Schedule Details

The tournament will feature 19 matches, with 11 games, including the final, to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi will host the remaining eight matches.

The tournament will commence on September 9, with India playing their first match against hosts United Arab Emirates the following day. A highly-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled for 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 Significance

India, as the most successful team in Asia Cup history with eight titles, enters as defending champions. Sri Lanka has claimed the trophy six times, while Pakistan has won it twice. The tournament has been alternating between ODI and T20I formats since 2016, with this edition being played in the 20-over format as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.