Asia Cup 2025: Full Schedule, Format, Teams & Records | Everything You Need to Know
The Asia Cup 2025, which will feature elite teams from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is expected to be an interesting event. Taking place for the 17th time, this competition is crucial for teams getting ready for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Taking place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the tournament will feature exciting matches between some of Asia’s top cricketing teams and will be played in the T20I format.
The Asia Cup 2025 offers both seasoned players and emerging prospects a fantastic opportunity to showcase their skills on a major platform as cricket continues to expand. Because the competition will be in T20 style, spectators can anticipate exciting matches, thrilling finishes, and moments that will stick in their memories. Here’s every important information related to the Asia Cup 2025.
Asia Cup 2025 Overview
The date of the tournament is set by ACC from September 9 to 28, 2025. The decision was made by India not to host the tournament. Because of this, the competition is being held in the UAE. There will be a Twenty20 format for the upcoming event.
| List | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Men’s Asia Cup 2025 |
| Teams | 8 |
| Organizer | Asian Cricket Council (ACC) |
| Host Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Qualified Teams | UAE, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Oman, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka |
| Super Four Stage | Yes |
| Schedule | 09 Sep to 28 Sep, 2025 |
| Match to watch for | India versus Pakistan |
| Stadiums | United Arab Emirates iconic cricket stadiums |
| Matches | 19 |
| Format | T20I |
Why is the UAE Hosting the Asia Cup 2025?
The 17th Asia Cup was supposed to be held in India. But because of the ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, the event was moved to the UAE, which is a neutral country. Another example of cricket diplomacy that encourages worldwide involvement is this one. The UAE is the ideal location for a prominent Asian cricket event of this kind because of its top-notch cricket infrastructure and expat-friendly fan base.
Asia Cup 2025 Groups And Format
The eight elite Asian teams, divided into two groups of four, will compete in the Asia Cup 2025. Every team will play every other team in their group once in the round-robin format of the competition.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
| Oman | Hong Kong |
| India | Bangladesh |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Afghanistan |
Asia Cup 2025 Groups And Format
- The super four stage will be reached by the top two teams in each group.
- Round-robin competition between the four teams will resume in the super four.
- The final match will be played between the top two teams in the super four.
- The competition will take place in September 2025, with the championship match taking place on September 28. In anticipation of the T20 World Cup 2026, fans can look forward to a month-long celebration of exciting T20 cricket with a total of 19 matches scheduled.
Participating Teams & Qualification Process
The Asia Cup 2025 will feature eight countries, including both developing Asian teams and cricketing powers. The following details how each team earned their spot:
Automatic Qualifiers
Based on their prior Asia Cup results and ICC rankings, these teams were directly qualified:
- India: As the hosts and a reliable elite team.
- Pakistan: Consistent Asia Cup competitor with a solid reputation worldwide.
- Bangladesh: Keeps growing into a significant force in Asian cricket.
- Afghanistan: They are well-known for their bold approach and explosive bowling.
- Sri Lanka: The defending champions and experienced contestants.
Qualified via Regional Tournament
In 2024, three teams competed for the remaining slots in the Asia Cup Qualifiers:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) won consistently, placing first in the qualifications.
- Oman- Won spots in the group stages by defeating Qatar and Malaysia.
- These teams are expected to push the envelope against more formidable opponents and add a fresh energy to the competition.
5 Players to Watch Out for in Asia Cup 2025
Numerous emerging talents are prepared to leave their imprint, but well-known personalities will stand out. These five rising stars have the potential to win the event.
1. Tilak Varma (India)
Tilak Varma’s crisp hitting and rock-solid behavior have already caused a stir in Indian cricket circles. He frequently transforms difficult circumstances into game-winning moments by building innings under duress rather than merely making shots.
He might make his breakthrough at the Asia Cup 2025. Varma is a left-hander who gives India’s middle order variety with his precise timing and vibrant objective. Don’t be shocked if India bases their World Cup ambitions around him.
2. Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
Saim Ayub has the ability to light up the powerplay like a firecracker, if there is one. This Pakistani left-handed opener plays with style, assurance, and a dash of swagger. He’s the kind of player who tackles the game head-on rather than waiting for it to come to him.
Having displayed flashes of genius in domestic leagues and T20s, Saim’s undeveloped potential is on track to blossom on the grand stage. This could be the competition that marks his development in the batting-friendly UAE
3. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Ibrahim Zadran plays the thinking man’s game while others aim for the stars. A batter who combines power and patience, elegance and simplicity, he is Afghanistan’s sheet anchor. The Asia Cup 2025 has the potential to elevate Afghanistan’s dependable hitter to elite status.
Zadran takes his time. He assesses the bowlers, analyzes the pitch, and knows when to change gears. Afghanistan’s secret weapon in stressful games might be his composure at the wicket.
4. Towhid Hridoy (Bangladesh)
Towhid Hridoy thrives on the tightrope that Bangladesh’s batting frequently treads. What makes Hridoy unique is his ability to change directions without losing control, which makes him steady in the middle and smart at the end.
He is a sculptor of innings, not just a finisher. He will likely lead Bangladesh to great finishes after guiding them through rocky starts. Even though he isn’t loud, his performances are powerful.
5. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)
Think of Lasith Malinga, except younger, faster, and equally unique. Matheesha Pathirana, who is lovingly referred to as “Baby Malinga,” is recognized for his quick pace and cunning slingers that make batters wonder.
With good cause, he is currently Sri Lanka’s preferred player in the last overs. He will face the best batters in Asia in this Asia Cup, which will put his composure, accuracy, and versatility to the test. However, he is the only one who can deliver accurate yorkers when under pressure.
Asia Cup 2025 Tickets
Details on how to buy tickets for the 2025 Asia Cup will soon be available to cricket fans who are eagerly awaiting them. Due to the fact that India is hosting the tournament, it is expected that tickets would be offered via well-known websites such as Paytm, Insider, and BookMyShow, which frequently manage cricket ticket sales for regional matches.
In addition, tickets will be offered for sale offline at stores in key cities. The BCCI and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) will provide official updates on ticket sales and availability soon. Prices, categories, and booking dates have not yet been disclosed.
India vs Pakistan in The Asia Cup
IND vs PAK cricket supremacy in Asia has made 19 appearances at the Asia Cup. This is how their head-to-head record compares in various cricket match formats, including ODI and T20:
- Pakistan Wins: 6
- Match Played in Total: 19
- India Wins: 10
- No results: 3
When it comes to Asia Cup contests, India has the advantage overall, winning 10 of the 19 games while Pakistan has only won six. Three of the previous five meetings ended in no results because of bad weather, but India has won four of them.
Asia Cup: History and Records
In Sharjah, the Asia Cup started out as a showcase for three teams in 1984 and has since expanded to become a full-fledged continental competition that now features Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other emerging nations. India’s maiden championship victory sparked decades of exciting cricket drama.
The competition follows the ICC calendar by switching between ODI and T20 formats. Since T20I forms have been used in previous editions, such 2016 and 2022, the Asia Cup 2025 is a beginning to the T20 World Cup 2026.Some teams have continuously won over the years:
| Team | Titles Won |
|---|---|
| India | 8 |
| Sri Lanka | 6 |
| Pakistan | 2 |
All-Time Batting Greats
- With an incredible 1,220 runs at an average of nearly 53 throughout several competitions, Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka holds the record for most Asia Cup runs.
- Virat Kohli’s historic 183 from 148 balls against Pakistan in the 2012 ODI in Mirpur continues to be the highest Asia Cup individual score.
- The top five run scorers also include other legends like Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, and Kumar Sangakkara.
Bowling Legends
- Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka’s yorker specialist, is not far behind with three five-wicket hauls and 29 wickets in 14 games.
- The top bowling statistics are completed by other spin masters including India’s Ravindra Jadeja, Saeed Ajmal, and Ajantha Mendis.
Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
| Date | Match | Location | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09 Sep 2025 | UAE vs Oman | Dubai | Dubai International Stadium |
| 10 Sep 2025 | India vs Pakistan | Abu Dhabi | Sheikh Zayed Stadium |
| 11 Sep 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong | Sharjah | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| 13 Sep 2025 | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | Dubai | Dubai International Stadium |
| 15–23 Sep 2025 | Super Four Matches | Various | All 3 Venues |
| 28 Sep 2025 | Final | Dubai | Dubai International Stadium |
Last 5 Winners of Asia Cup
Over the course of the Asia Cup’s lengthy and rich history, several teams have won the championship. India has won eight titles in the Asia Cup, including seven in ODI and one in T20I, making them the most successful team. Pakistan has won two titles, and Sri Lanka is next with six.
India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have each participated in 15 Asia Cups, while Sri Lanka has played the most.
| Date | Match | Location | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09 Sep 2025 | UAE vs Oman | Dubai | Dubai International Stadium |
| 10 Sep 2025 | India vs Pakistan | Abu Dhabi | Sheikh Zayed Stadium |
| 11 Sep 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong | Sharjah | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| 13 Sep 2025 | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | Dubai | Dubai International Stadium |
| 15–23 Sep 2025 | Super Four Matches | Various | All 3 Venues |
| 28 Sep 2025 | Final | Dubai | Dubai International Stadium |
In the upcoming Asia Cup, India, the reigning champions, will compete with the goal of winning the trophy again. This significant list will be expanded to include the Asia Cup 2025 victory, who hopes to add another championship to their collection of cricketing accomplishments.
Broadcasters and Streaming Details for Asia Cup 2025
The Asia Cup 2025 will feature 19 matches that cricket fans worldwide can watch live. Star Sports Network is probably going to be the official broadcaster in India, and games will be offered in a number of regional languages. Digital streaming for Disney+ Hotstar will be available on mobile and smart TV platforms. Live telecasts are anticipated to be handled by PTV Sports and A Sports for Pakistani viewers. Gazi TV (GTV) is expected to continue to broadcast in Bangladesh, whereas SLRC Channel Eye is still the preferred network for viewers in Sri Lanka.
Depending on the rights arrangements, cricket fans in the United Arab Emirates can watch matches on Switch TV and StarzPlay. World cricket fans can follow the competition through the official Asia Cup 2025 app and the ICC website, which will provide match highlights, ball-by-ball commentary, and exclusive interviews.
Asia Cup 2025 Fantasy League & Fan Engagement
As gamified viewing continues to gain popularity, the Asian Cricket Council is introducing an official Asia Cup 2025 Fantasy League. Supporters will have the opportunity to build their ideal teams, compete against others around the world, and win thrilling rewards like gifts, VIP passes, and even meet-and-greet permits.
In order to increase participation, the ACC also intends to host fan competitions on YouTube, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter). Memes, fan video reactions, and quiz contests will all be part of this.
Asia Cup 2025: Impact on T20 World Cup 2026 Preparation
The Asia Cup 2025 serves as an essential training ground for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, therefore it’s worth more than simply regional bragging rights. Top-tier teams can test player combinations, assess bench strength, and hone strategy under duress at this Asian cricket event, which is scheduled just months before the world tournament. Since the Asia Cup 2025 simulates the intense and unpredictable nature of a World Cup context, coaches and selectors see it as a real-time litmus test.
Performances at the Asia Cup will help lock in the best starting lineups for nations like India and Pakistan, who are serious contenders for the next T20 World Cup. Emerging teams like Hong Kong, Oman, and the UAE, meanwhile, will try to make an impression and demonstrate that they are prepared for international competition. The games will provide crucial information for forming World Cup campaigns by exposing form, fitness, and tactical adaptation in a range of UAE pitch conditions.Players can also see how they compare to the best in Asia at the Asia Cup 2025. For younger players like Matheesha Pathirana or Saim Ayub, it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting impression and guarantee their World Cup spots. Insights regarding team development, new rivalries, and performance trends that may materialize on the global scene in 2026 are also advantageous to fans.
Why AFC Asian Cup 2025 is Special
With good cause, the AFC Asia Cup 2025 is expected to be one of the most eagerly awaited football competitions in Asia’s history. This edition, which will be held in Saudi Arabia for the first time ever, offers firsts, top-tier action, and a new perspective on Asian football on the international scene. The AFC Asia Cup 2025 is very special for the following reasons:
- In Saudi Arabia, the first AFC Asian Cup: Saudi Arabia is hosting the tournament for the first time as it makes a comeback to the Middle East.
- Increased Football Facilities: Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in technology, fan experiences, and stadiums.
- Increasing Levels of Competition: The competition promises challenging and exceptional matches, especially as Asian teams are becoming more and more successful worldwide.
- Emphasis on Youth Development: The significance of nurturing future football talents is emphasized by the AFC U-20 and U-17 tournaments.