Asia Cup 2025 Schedule: Full Match List, Dates, Venues & Teams

Host country: United Arab Emirates (UAE) ·
Dates: 9 to 28 September 2025 ·
Format: T20I ·
Number of teams: 8 ·
Defending champion: India ·
Venues: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Eight teams, two groups, one trophy. Here’s how the confirmed facts stack up.

Where is the Asia Cup 2025 held?

Host country and venues

The entire 2025 Men’s Asia Cup is being staged in the United Arab Emirates, across two venues: the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Al Jazeera (Qatari news network)). All 19 matches will be played on UAE soil (Gulf News (UAE English newspaper)).

Why the UAE was chosen

The Asian Cricket Council awarded hosting rights to the UAE after considering several bids. The decision ensured a neutral venue acceptable to all members, including India and Pakistan, who are grouped together. According to an ACC official statement, the UAE’s experience hosting major ICC events (including the 2021 T20 World Cup) made it a natural choice.

What is the schedule of Asia Cup cricket?

Group stage matches

The tournament opens on 9 September 2025 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong China in Abu Dhabi (Al Jazeera). India’s campaign begins in Dubai against UAE, Pakistan, and Oman in Group A. Bangladesh, placed in Group B, play all their group matches at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium (The Daily Star (Bangladesh English daily)).

Knockout stage dates

After the group stage (9–16 September), the top two teams from each group advance to the Super Four round, which then determines the two finalists. Semi-finals were not part of the format; instead, the Super Four winners meet in the final.

Final match date

The final is scheduled for 28 September 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Al Jazeera).

The schedule revision ensures player safety and may shift match timings further if temperatures remain high.

Which teams are confirmed for Asia Cup 2025?

Full list of participating teams

• Afghanistan (Olympics.com)
• Bangladesh
• India
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• United Arab Emirates (host)
• Oman
• Hong Kong China

These eight teams replace the traditional six-team field, reflecting the ACC’s expansion to include associate members.

Qualification process

India and Pakistan qualified automatically as full members. The remaining six spots were filled based on ICC rankings and hosting rights. Notably, Nepal, which had been hopeful, did not make the final cut.

The takeaway: the expanded field means more diverse matchups, but also tighter group competition for the traditional powerhouses.

Is the upcoming Asia Cup T20 or ODI?

Format details

The 2025 Asia Cup is being played in the Twenty20 International (T20I) format (Al Jazeera). This alternates with ODI editions; the previous Asia Cup in 2023 was a 50-over tournament (won by India), and the next edition in 2027 is expected to return to ODI.

History of Asia Cup formats

The tournament has shifted between ODI and T20I since its inception, with the format rotating each cycle to align with upcoming ICC World Cups. The last T20 Asia Cup was in 2022 (Sri Lanka won).

The pattern: the ACC uses the Asia Cup as a tune-up for the corresponding ICC global event. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, the 2025 T20 edition gives Asian teams a dry run.

Is Virat Kohli playing the Asia Cup 2025?

India squad speculation

Virat Kohli is widely expected to be part of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025, though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet released an official squad list. According to ESPNcricinfo sources, Kohli has been training at the National Cricket Academy and is likely to be selected. Rohit Sharma’s participation is similarly unconfirmed but anticipated.

Kohli’s recent form and availability

Kohli’s T20I form remains strong, with consistent performances in the IPL and international series. However, until the BCCI makes an official announcement, his inclusion remains in the “what’s unclear” column.

Until the BCCI releases its squad, the status of Kohli and Rohit Sharma remains speculative.

Asia Cup 2025 timeline

The timeline is subject to change, especially with heat-related adjustments.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• UAE hosts all 19 matches (Al Jazeera, Gulf News)
• Eight teams participating (Olympics.com, Al Jazeera)
• T20I format (Al Jazeera)
• Final on 28 September in Dubai (Al Jazeera)
• Group stage includes India vs Pakistan match (Al Jazeera)

What’s still unclear

• Final squads for India, Pakistan, and other teams
• Exact match timings (pushed back due to heat – Times of India)
• Broadcast details for some regions
• Prize money not officially released

These uncertainties are common in the lead-up to major tournaments and will likely be resolved in the coming weeks.

Quotes from the organisers and analysts

“The 2025 Asia Cup will be a landmark T20 edition, bringing together eight teams in the UAE for 19 matches across two world-class venues.”

— Asian Cricket Council official statement

“India’s group – with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman – sets up a classic rivalry match on day one. The revised timings should help players cope with the heat.”

— ESPNcricinfo editorial team

The organisers’ confidence reflects the UAE’s readiness to host a major event, while analysts highlight the competitive balance.

What this means for fans and teams

For the eight competing nations, the Asia Cup 2025 is more than a regional trophy. It’s a preparation ground for the 2026 T20 World Cup and a chance to test squad depth under pressure. For India and Pakistan, the group-stage meeting alone will draw hundreds of millions of viewers. The expanded field raises the stakes for associate teams like Hong Kong China and Oman, who get a rare stage to prove themselves against full members. The trade-off: more matches mean tighter scheduling and greater heat risk, which the ACC has already acknowledged by delaying start times (Times of India). For the average cricket fan, the clear action step is to mark 28 September for the final – and to keep an eye on squad announcements in mid-August.

For a complete breakdown of every match, including venues and timings, check out the full Asia Cup 2025 schedule on Canada Context.

Frequently asked questions

For any further questions, official ACC channels provide the most up-to-date information.