After weeks of uncertainty and political friction, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially released the schedule for the 2025 Asia Cup, confirming that the continental tournament will go ahead as planned in September. The announcement was made on Saturday after key stakeholders, including the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket, participated in a virtual ACC general body meeting chaired by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and ACC president, Mohsin Naqvi.
Geopolitical tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, had cast serious doubts over the tournamentโs feasibility, with the BCCI even considering boycotting the meeting. However, diplomatic channels prevailed, and the final structure and schedule were approved without further disruption.
Returning to its T20 format ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, the Asia Cup promises high-stakes cricket across 20 days. While the BCCI retains hosting rights, the matches will be staged at neutral venues in the UAE, a move aimed at avoiding political complications.
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Eight teams will vie for continental supremacy: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, along with qualifiers Hong Kong, the UAE, and Oman. Cricket fans have already circled September 14 on their calendars, with arch-rivals India and Pakistan scheduled to face off. Their last T20 encounter took place during the 2024 World Cup in New York, where India held their nerve to clinch a six-run victory.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ค! ๐
The ACC Menโs T20I Asia Cup kicks off from 9th to 28th September in the UAE! ๐คฉ
Get ready for thrilling matchups as the top 8 teams in Asia face off for continental glory! ๐#ACCMensAsiaCup2025 #ACC pic.twitter.com/JzvV4wuxna
โ AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) July 26, 2025
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This upcoming clash will revive memories of past battles, including their last ODI match at this venue when Virat Kohliโs century steered India to victory in the Champions Trophy.
The tournament kicks off on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong. India begins their campaign against the UAE on September 10. The group stage concludes on September 19, followed by the Super Four fixtures from September 20 to 26. The much-anticipated final will be held on September 28.
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The Asia Cup 2025 not only sets the stage for subcontinental rivalries but also serves as vital preparation for the T20 World Cup. With top-tier teams and rising nations ready to battle it out, fans can expect a thrilling cricket spectacle in the desert.
