Asia Cup 2025 set to kick off tomorrow in UAE

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup T20 is set to kick off tomorrow, September 9, in the United Arab Emirates. Spanning 20 days, the continental tournament will run until September 28, with matches scheduled in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

All matches are set to begin at 6:30pm local time (8:30 PM Bangladesh Time). On double-header days, the first match will begin at 4:00pm local time, followed by the second at the usual 6:30pm slot.

The tournament will begin with a group stage, followed by a Super Four round and culminate in the final on September 28 in Dubai. Each team plays once within their group, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Four. The top two from the Super Four will battle for the title in the final.

A total of eight teams will compete in this year’s Asia Cup, divided into two groups. Group A features India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.

One of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, India vs Pakistan, is set for September 14 in Dubai. Given the format, there is potential for the arch-rivals to face off again in the Super Four or even the final, making the rivalry a central narrative of this year's tournament.

T20 World Cup 2024 champions India enter the tournament with a full-strength squad. Rising star Abhishek Sharma, fresh off impressive performances, is drawing significant attention. Pakistan has introduced a revamped batting lineup featuring Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, and Hasan Nawaz.

Bangladesh brings a balanced squad, blending youth and experience, while Afghanistan’s mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar is expected to be a game-changer. Other players to watch include UAE’s Mohammad Wasim and Hong Kong’s Yasim Mortaza.

Although India is the official host of this year’s tournament, matches have been shifted to a neutral venue due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, which prevent either team from touring the other’s country. The UAE, a frequent host of neutral fixtures, will stage all matches.

The Asia Cup, first held in 1984 with India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, has since evolved into a prestigious tournament in the region. Traditionally an ODI event, the tournament now alternates between ODI and T20 formats based on the ICC World Cup cycle. This 2025 edition is in the T20 format, serving as vital preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The previous edition in 2023 was played in ODI format.

With high stakes, intense rivalries, and emerging talent on display, the 2025 Asia Cup promises three weeks of thrilling T20 cricket.