The Asia Cup 2025 is expected to kick off on September 5 and run until September 21, according to reports. Six teams — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE — will compete in the 17-day tournament.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has almost finalised the window and format. Sources say India and Pakistan are likely to face each other in the group stage on September 7, with a strong chance of a rematch in the Super Fours round on September 14. The final is set for September 21.
This year’s tournament will be hosted in the UAE, as all participating countries, including official hosts India, are close to securing government clearances. The matches will follow the usual group stage and Super Fours format, meaning fans can expect at least two high-voltage India-Pakistan games.
Promotional activities have already begun, with official broadcaster Sony recently releasing the event poster. This comes as welcome news for fans and stakeholders, who see the Asia Cup as an important lead-up to the Women’s ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka later this year.
However, cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan have raised questions over cricket ties in recent months. Pakistan was initially supposed to play all its Women’s World Cup matches, including potential knockouts, in Sri Lanka.
The clarity on the Asia Cup schedule has offered much-needed relief for broadcasters, sponsors, and boards. Looking ahead, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka will host the next three editions of the tournament. The Asia Cup will keep its tradition of alternating formats, with the 2027 edition to be played as an ODI event, the 2029 edition as T20Is, and the 2031 edition returning to ODIs in Sri Lanka.
