Why Are Asia Cup Match Timings Delayed by 30 Minutes?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Men's T20 Asia Cup faces a schedule change due to extreme heat, delaying match timings by 30 minutes. This adjustment prioritizes player safety while maintaining the excitement of this prestigious tournament featuring top cricketing nations. Discover the new schedule and how teams prepare for the competition!
Key Takeaways
- The Men's T20 Asia Cup matches will now start at 6:30 PM local time.
- Daytime temperatures in the UAE are expected to reach the 40s in September.
- All day-night fixtures have been rescheduled for player safety.
- India and Pakistan will face off in a highly anticipated match.
- The tournament includes eight teams for the first time in T20 format.
Dubai, Aug 30 (NationPress) - In light of the extreme temperatures, 18 out of 19 matches in the upcoming Men's T20 Asia Cup, including the final showdown, will now commence at 6:30 PM local time, a shift of 30 minutes from the original schedule. This adjustment aims to mitigate the effects of the intense heat prevalent in the region.
With forecasts indicating that daytime temperatures in the UAE may soar into the 40s during September, all day-night matches in this eight-team tournament have been revised from 7:30 PM IST (6 PM local time) to 8 PM IST (6:30 PM local time).
The only exception is the single day match between UAE and Oman on September 15, which will still begin at 5:30 PM IST (4 PM local time) at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The tournament kicks off on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, featuring a match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Dubai will host 11 matches, including the final on September 29, while Abu Dhabi will feature eight games.
India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman are in Group A, while Group B consists of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Notably, this is the first Asia Cup to be conducted in the T20 format, aimed at preparing teams for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with a total of eight teams participating.
India will compete against UAE and face off against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10 and 14, respectively, while their match against Oman is scheduled for September 19 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Fours, culminating in a title match to determine the champion of the 17th edition of the Asia Cup. India is the reigning champion, having triumphed over Sri Lanka in the 2023 final held in the 50-over format in Colombo. Previously, Sri Lanka won the T20I version by defeating Pakistan in the final in 2022.
Point of View
We recognize the significance of player welfare, especially in extreme weather conditions. Adjusting match timings reflects our commitment to ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for both players and fans. The Asia Cup is a prestigious event, and we look forward to its successful execution.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the match timings for the Asia Cup changed?
The timings were altered to avoid the extreme heat conditions in the UAE, ensuring player safety and comfort.
When does the Asia Cup 2023 start?
The Asia Cup 2023 kicks off on September 9 in Abu Dhabi.
Which teams are participating in the Asia Cup?
The tournament features eight teams: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
What is the final match date for the Asia Cup?
The final match is scheduled for September 29 in Dubai.
What format is the Asia Cup 2023 being held in?
The Asia Cup 2023 will be held in the T20 format.
