The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup will take place in the United Arab Emirates from 9 to 28 September, as confirmed by Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi on social media.
“I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE,” Naqvi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The prestigious tournament will take place from 9th to 28th September. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket. The detailed schedule will be out soon.”
Although no final decision was made during the ACC’s recent Annual General Meeting in Dhaka, Naqvi’s post has all but ended the uncertainty surrounding the tournament. The ACC has opted to shift the event to the UAE, with India retaining its role as the official host.
This year’s Asia Cup will be contested in the T20 format, acting as a lead-up to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
A total of eight teams will participate: full ICC members India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, alongside associate nations United Arab Emirates, Oman and Hong Kong. Around 19 matches are expected to be played across the tournament.
India and Pakistan are likely to be placed in the same group, setting up the possibility of three encounters between the arch-rivals in the group stage, Super Four, and potentially in the final.
The delay in announcing the full fixture list had been caused by diplomatic tensions involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, representatives from all member boards were present at the Dhaka meeting, and the schedule is now expected to be released in phases.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is handling the tournament’s logistics, has already prepared a draft fixture. Minor adjustments may follow, pending the resolution of commercial matters with stakeholders. The final version will be ratified by the ACC.