The Asia Cup 2025, officially the DP World Asia Cup, is the 17th edition of this continental cricket spectacle. Being played in the United Arab Emirates from 9 to 28 September 2025, the tournament marks the return of the T20 International format, aligning with the global T20 cricket cycle.
A total of eight teams are competing: five full members of the Asian Cricket Council: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan , alongside three qualifiers (UAE, Oman, Hong Kong) from the 2024 ACC Premier Cup. Defending champions India, the most successful side with 8 titles, are chasing yet another crown.
Originally slated for India, the tournament was shifted to Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to political issues. Both venues have rich hosting experience, 11 matches including the final are in Dubai International Stadium, while 8 fixtures are scheduled at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Tournament Format
The Asia Cup 2025 is structured with a group stage, Super Four, and grand final.
- Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
Each team faces the others in its group once. The top two in each group move to the Super Four round-robin, where the two best teams qualify for the final on 28 September in Dubai.
Full Match Schedule
Nineteen T20Is will unfold from 9 to 28 September 2025. Some key fixtures include:
- Sep 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 10: UAE vs India, Dubai
- Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai
- Sep 14: India vs Pakistan, Dubai
- Sep 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 19: India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi
- Sep 20–26: Super Four matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Sep 28: Asia Cup 2025 Final, Dubai
All matches start at 6:30 PM UAE (8:00 PM IST), ensuring prime-time viewing across South Asia.
Must-Watch Matches & Rivalries
A highlight of Asia Cup 2025 is the fierce India vs Pakistan clash in Dubai on 14 September. As expected, it lived up to the hype – India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in a dominant performance. The rivalry might repeat in the Super Four and potentially even the final, creating global anticipation.
In Group B, the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match on 13 September drew attention as a critical clash. Sri Lanka triumphed by 6 wickets, continuing their strong history in the Asia Cup. Another key fixture is Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan on 18 September, a battle likely to decide group supremacy. Afghanistan, already impressive with a massive 94-run win in their opener, are seen as potential dark horses this year.
Beyond the big rivalries, first-time contests add freshness. Pakistan vs Oman on 12 September marked Oman’s debut against a T20 giant. India vs Oman on 19 September will be another historic meeting, giving Oman invaluable exposure. These matches highlight the Asia Cup’s role in showcasing both elite and emerging sides.
The Super Four stage (20–26 September) promises heavyweight encounters such as India vs Sri Lanka or Pakistan vs Afghanistan. Each match at this stage carries knockout intensity, setting the stage for a blockbuster September 28 finale.
Current Asia Cup 2025 Standings (as of Sept 15)
Group A
- India: 2 matches, 2 wins, 4 points, NRR +4.793
- Pakistan: 2 matches, 1 win, 1 loss, 2 points, NRR +1.649
- Oman: 1 match, 0 points, NRR –4.650
- UAE: 1 match, 0 points, NRR –10.483
Group B
- Afghanistan: 1 win, 2 points, NRR +4.700
- Sri Lanka: 1 win, 2 points, NRR +2.595
- Bangladesh: 1 win, 1 loss, 2 points, NRR –0.650
- Hong Kong: 2 losses, 0 points, eliminated
India leads Group A with two commanding wins, including the crucial Pakistan match. Pakistan sits second but must secure wins to confirm their Super Four spot. Oman and UAE remain winless, making their head-to-head clash decisive for survival.
In Group B, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are currently strong contenders with healthy net run rates. Bangladesh, on 2 points but with a negative NRR, faces an uphill battle. Hong Kong, after two defeats, is already out of contention.
Why Asia Cup 2025 Stands Out
With high-stakes rivalries, debut fixtures, and a balanced blend of seasoned champions and emerging challengers, the Asia Cup 2025 has already delivered unforgettable cricket moments. As the Super Four stage begins, every game has the potential to shift the table, keeping fans hooked until the final in Dubai on 28 September 2025.
The possibility of multiple India vs Pakistan encounters, including a dream finale, is fueling global anticipation, making this one of the most exciting Asia Cups ever.
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