Asia Cup 2025 Officially Confirmed: Tournament to Be Held in UAE from September 9 to 28

By Bold News Online Desk On Jul 27, 2025

Dated July 27th: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially confirmed that the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28, marking the successful resolution of all logistical and diplomatic hurdles that had surrounded the event. The confirmation was formally announced on Saturday, July 26, by Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, President of the ACC and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

In a statement shared via social media, Mr. Naqvi said, “I am delighted to confirm the dates of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket. Detailed scheduling will be released soon.”

The tournament, set to be played in the T20 format, comes just ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, making it a significant event in the cricketing calendar for participating nations.

The 2025 edition features eight teams divided into two groups:

- - Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
  - Group B: Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong

The opening match will be played between Afghanistan and Hong Kong on September 9. The most anticipated fixture of the group stage, India vs Pakistan, is scheduled for September 14, with a possibility of two more encounters between the arch-rivals—once in the Super 4 stage on September 21, and potentially in the final on September 28, should both teams advance.

The complete schedule was released on Saturday evening. A total of 19 matches will be played over 20 days, including one double-header on September 15 and two rest days on September 22 and 27. Though the official venues are yet to be disclosed, matches are expected to be held across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The confirmation comes after weeks of deliberation and coordination among key stakeholders, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is the designated host for this edition. The announcement had been delayed due to the need to finalize commercial and logistical arrangements, and secure the required government approvals.

India’s participation, in particular, had been under scrutiny due to geopolitical sensitivities, especially following heightened tensions and military engagement with Pakistan earlier this year. However, a more balanced and pragmatic view has emerged regarding participation in multilateral sporting events. India’s Sports Minister, Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya, recently indicated that New Delhi holds no objection to competing against Pakistan in such formats, even as bilateral ties remain on hold.

This progressive stance is being seen as part of a broader effort to bolster India’s credentials as a future host of international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games, for which it is a potential bidder.

Asia Cup 2025 Schedule Overview:

Group Stage:

- - Sept 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
  - Sept 10: India vs UAE
  - Sept 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
  - Sept 12: Pakistan vs Oman
  - Sept 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
  - Sept 14: India vs Pakistan
  - Sept 15: UAE vs Oman
  - Sept 15: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
  - Sept 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
  - Sept 17: Pakistan vs UAE
  - Sept 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
  - Sept 19: India vs Oman

Super 4 Stage:

- - Sept 20: B1 vs B2
  - Sept 21: A1 vs A2
  - Sept 23: A2 vs B1
  - Sept 24: A1 vs B2
  - Sept 25: A2 vs B2
  - Sept 26: A1 vs B1

Final:

- - Sept 28: Winner of Super 4s

The ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 promises to deliver high-octane cricket, rekindle legendary rivalries, and serve as a vital platform for regional teams to gear up for the T20 World Cup.

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