Dubai: The stage is set for one of cricket’s most anticipated tournaments as the 17th edition of the Asia Cup gets underway in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, September 9. The opening clash will see Afghanistan lock horns with Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, marking the start of a three-week festival of cricket that runs until September 28.
The Asia Cup, which has alternated between ODI and T20I formats since 2016, will be contested in the T20 format this year. Organizers say the decision reflects the need to give participating teams crucial match practice ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
A total of eight teams will vie for continental supremacy: India, Pakistan, Oman, and UAE in Group A, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka form Group B. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Fours stage, where they will play in a round-robin format. The two best-performing sides from that stage will progress to the final, scheduled for September 28 in Dubai.
With 19 matches on the calendar, 11 will be staged at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, including the grand finale, while Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium will host the remaining eight fixtures. Eighteen of the matches will begin at 6:30pm UAE time, with a single exception: the UAE vs Oman day game in Abu Dhabi on September 15, which will begin at 4:00pm.
The undoubted highlight of the group stage will be the India–Pakistan encounter on September 14 in Dubai. The two arch-rivals, who have a history of producing cricketing blockbusters, could potentially face each other up to three times in this edition — once in the group stage, again in the Super Fours, and possibly in the final. Such encounters are expected to draw record audiences both at the stadium and on television.
Defending champions India enter the tournament with an impressive record, having lifted the trophy eight times, the most by any team. Sri Lanka, with six Asia Cup titles to their name, will aim to add to their tally, while Pakistan, twice winners, remain dangerous contenders. Afghanistan and Bangladesh are seen as potential dark horses, capable of upsetting the traditional heavyweights.
Broadcasting arrangements ensure that fans across the UAE can follow the action closely. Matches will be shown live on CricLife channels and streamed via StarzPlay, with coverage also available through CricLife MAX on eLife TV and Switch TV platforms.
As the teams assemble in the UAE and fans prepare for a fortnight of high-octane T20 cricket, the Asia Cup 2025 promises to deliver thrilling contests, national pride, and a perfect dress rehearsal for the global stage of the T20 World.