Asia Cup 2025 to run from September 9 to 28 in UAE, India vs Pakistan on September 14

After much debate, confusion, and controversy, the Asia Cup has finally been confirmed, with PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi conveying the tournament will be played from September 9 to 28 in UAE.

The tournament will feature eight teams, namely India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, the UAE, and Oman. A total of 19 matches will be played, with the final scheduled for September 28. The eight-team event will commence on September 9 with a clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong, while the marquee India vs Pakistan clash will be on September 14.

The teams have been divided into two groups: Group A includes India, Pakistan, Oman and hosts UAE while Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super 4s in the second stage of the tournament, with the top two teams from there going to the final.

The ACC recently concluded a high-stakes meeting in Dhaka. The meeting itself was marked by tension, stemming largely from ongoing geopolitical issues and strained diplomatic relations between India and its neighbours, Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, Naqvi confirmed the tournament's dates as well as schedule on July 26 to end all speculations.

"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. Details scheduled will be out soon," he posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. 

Mohsin Naqvi@MohsinnaqviC42

I am delighted to confirm the dates for 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 Schedule will be out soon. #Cricketwins

04:37 PM · Jul 26, 2025

53090

The delay in the announcement of the schedule is understood as the the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had informed ACC members that a few final details with commercial partners had to be confirmed before making the official announcement

Meanwhile, India and Pakistan are expectedly in the same group, setting up the possibility of three encounters between the arch-rivals. After their first meet in the group stage on September 14, the two teams are likely to face each other in the Super 4 clash on September 21, provided they both qualify, and while there has never been a India-Pakistan final in the tournament's history, a third meeting could not be ruled out should they qualify this year and meet again on September 28.

The tournament will be played in the Twenty20 format, providing a crucial opportunity for participating teams to fine-tune their squads ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. 

Asia Cup 2025 groups

Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman

Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong

Asia Cup 2025 schedule

Group stage

Super 4s