The BRICS TimesAsia Cup 2025 begins on September 9 in the T20 format. The opening match in Abu Dhabi features Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Some of the continent’s best teams will battle fiercely to claim the prestigious title.
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup starts on September 9 and will continue until September 28. The tournament will follow the T20 format, with all matches scheduled in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. On double-header days, the first match will start at 5:30 PM IST, while the remaining fixtures will begin at 8:00 PM IST.
Why is the Asia Cup Being Held in UAE?
Originally, the BCCI was supposed to host this tournament. However, political tensions between India and Pakistan, combined with their refusal to play on each other’s soil, led to a change in venue. Consequently, the Asia Cup will now take place in the UAE. Despite this shift, the BCCI will continue as the official host, while all matches will be staged in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What Does the Tournament’s History Say?
The inaugural Asia Cup was played in 1984 among India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Since 2008, the event has been held regularly. India is the defending champion, having defeated Sri Lanka in the 2023 final to secure its eighth title. Sri Lanka has lifted the trophy six times, while Pakistan has won only twice. This edition will be played in the T20 format, making it only the third time in the history of the competition.
Which Teams Are Participating This Time?
For the first time, eight teams will participate in the Asia Cup. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan gained direct entry. Oman, UAE, and Hong Kong earned qualification through the ACC Men’s Premier Cup, a competition designed for associate nations across Asia.
What is the Tournament Format?
The eight teams have been divided into two groups. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage. The leading two teams in the Super Four will then meet in the final on September 28.
- Group A: India, Pakistan, Oman, UAE
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
When is the India vs Pakistan Match?
Initially, there was uncertainty regarding the India-Pakistan encounter due to strained political relations. However, after clarity from the Indian government, the much-anticipated clash was confirmed. The group stage match between the arch-rivals will take place in Dubai on September 14. If both teams reach the Super Four or the final, fans could witness up to three India-Pakistan matches in this tournament.
Which New Players are in the Spotlight?
This edition of the Asia Cup brings several young and exciting talents. India’s 24-year-old Abhishek Sharma, who already has two T20I centuries and a strike rate of 193.84, has represented India in 17 matches. Afghanistan’s 19-year-old mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar has impressed in his 11 ODI appearances.
Pakistan’s 31-year-old pacer Salman Mirza claimed 11 wickets in PSL 2025. UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem has scored 2,922 T20I runs with a strike rate of 155.67. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s 34-year-old Yasim Murtaza will captain his side for the first time, bringing with him 70 T20I wickets.
Why is This Asia Cup Special?
The T20 format always carries the possibility of dramatic upsets. Teams like Hong Kong and Afghanistan have previously challenged cricketing giants. In 2022, Sri Lanka stunned everyone by winning the T20 Asia Cup, proving once again that this tournament is full of surprises.
