Are Dubai and Abu Dhabi Ready for the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi confirmed as host cities.
- Asia Cup scheduled from September 9 to 28, 2025.
- India to clash with Pakistan on September 14.
- Eight teams participating in T20 format.
- Top two teams from each group advance.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (NationPress) Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been officially announced as the host cities for the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 28. Dubai will be the venue for 11 matches, including the much-anticipated final, while Abu Dhabi will host 8 matches.
India will compete in Group A, facing the UAE and the crucial match against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10 and 14 respectively, with a confrontation against Oman scheduled at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19.
“The Asia Cup represents more than just a tournament; it’s a tribute to Asian cricket. Hosting it in the UAE allows us to bring the thrill to one of the most dynamic cricketing centers globally. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are fully equipped to provide an excellent experience for players, fans, and broadcasters alike,” stated the organizers.
“We believe the 2025 edition will not just elevate standards of excellence but also strengthen the bond between the game and millions of dedicated fans across the continent,” remarked Mohsin Naqvi, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in a recent statement.
In Group A, India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman will compete, while Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. This will mark the first instance of the Asia Cup being held in the T20I format, which is aimed at preparing teams for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with a total of eight participating teams.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Fours stage, culminating in the title match to crown the champion of the 17th edition of the Asia Cup, which will kick off with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong on September 9.
Although India is designated as the official host of the Asia Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to stage the tournament in the UAE due to a mutual understanding with Pakistan to play at neutral venues in 2027 due to geopolitical and diplomatic tensions.
India remains the defending champion of the Asia Cup, having triumphed over Sri Lanka in the 2023 final conducted in the 50-over format in Colombo. Notably, Sri Lanka had won the Asia Cup in the T20I format after defeating Pakistan in the 2022 final.
2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup Full Schedule:
September 9 - Afghanistan vs Hong Kong China, Abu Dhabi
September 10 - India vs UAE, Dubai
September 11 - Bangladesh vs Hong Kong China, Abu Dhabi
September 12 - Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai
September 13 - Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi
September 14 - India vs Pakistan, Dubai
September 15 - UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi
September 15 - Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong China, Dubai
September 16 - Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi
September 17 - Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai
September 18 - Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi
September 19 - India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi
September 20 – B1 vs B2, Dubai
September 21 – A1 vs A2, Dubai
September 23 – A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi
September 24 – A1 vs B2, Dubai
September 25 – A2 vs B2, Dubai
September 26 – A1 vs B1, Dubai
September 28 – Final, Dubai