The 17th edition of the Asia Cup commences on September 9 and will continue until September 28. Played in the T20 format, all matches will be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. On double-header days, the first match begins at 5:30 PM IST, while the remaining games will start at 8:00 PM IST.
Why is the Asia Cup being played in the UAE? Originally, the BCCI was set to host this tournament. However, due to strained political relations and mutual refusals to play cricket in each other's countries between India and Pakistan, the venue had to be shifted. Hence, the tournament will now be organized in the UAE. Nonetheless, the BCCI remains the official host, with all matches being played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What does the tournament history tell us? The first Asia Cup took place in 1984, contested by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Since 2008, it has been a regular affair. India is the reigning champion, having beaten Sri Lanka in the 2023 finals for its 8th title. Sri Lanka has claimed the crown six times, while Pakistan has emerged victorious just twice. This time, the tournament will be in the T20 format, only the third instance in history.
Which teams are participating in this tournament? For the first time, eight teams will compete in the Asia Cup. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan qualified directly, while Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong gained entry through the ACC Men's Premier Cup, a tournament held among Asian Associate nations.
Read More: Asia Cup 2025: Teams with Indian Hearts - Oman, Hong Kong, UAE's Players
What’s the format this time?
The eight teams are divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the 'Super Four', with the leading two teams battling out the final on September 28. Group A: India, Pakistan, Oman, UAE Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
When is the India-Pakistan clash? After political tensions created uncertainty, clarity from the Indian government paved the way for the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash. The group match is scheduled for September 14 in Dubai, with potential rematches in the Super 4 or finals should both teams advance.
Which new players are in the spotlight? This Asia Cup features several fresh and young talents. India's 24-year-old Abhishek Sharma, boasting two T20I centuries and a 193.84 strike rate, has played 17 matches. Afghanistan's 19-year-old mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar impressed in 11 ODI matches.
Pakistan's 31-year-old fast bowler Salman Mirza took 11 wickets in the PSL 2025. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem has amassed 2,922 runs in T20 Internationals with a strike rate of 155.67. Hong Kong's 34-year-old Yasim Murtaza, captaining for the first time, has taken 70 T20I wickets.
What's unique about this Asia Cup? The T20 format always promises surprises. Teams like Hong Kong and Afghanistan have challenged giants before. Sri Lanka's T20 Asia Cup 2022 victory proved this tournament brims with unexpected outcomes.
