Asia Cup 2025 venues: Full Schedule, Teams & Tickets Guide

Asia Cup 2025 venues: Discover match dates, teams, tickets & top players for Asia’s premier T20 cricket tournament in UAE. The Asia Cup 2025 promises to be a thrilling spectacle of T20 cricket, featuring Asia’s top teams battling for continental supremacy. From historic rivalries to emerging stars, this edition in the UAE is set to captivate fans worldwide.

Asia Cup 2025 Dates and Venues

The tournament kicks off on September 9, 2025, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The grand finale is scheduled for September 28, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

This year, the competition will feature 19 matches across just two venues, excluding Sharjah due to scheduling efficiency. Dubai International Stadium, with a capacity of 25,000, will host the final, promising an electric atmosphere for fans.

Why UAE is Hosting Instead of India

Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially holds hosting rights, the tournament is taking place in the UAE due to ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. Both nations agreed to play at neutral venues in major ICC events, making the UAE a practical choice for a compact, high-stakes tournament.

Participating Teams and Tournament Format

Eight teams will compete in the 2025 Asia Cup:

Group A: India, Pakistan, Oman, UAE
Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong

The tournament format includes:

1. Group Stage: Round-robin matches within each group.
2. Super Four Stage: Top two teams from each group play each other in another round-robin.
3. Final: The two best teams from the Super Four will clash for the trophy.

This format ensures high-intensity matches and could even lead to India and Pakistan facing off three times if both progress to the final. Their first encounter is on September 14, 2025, with a possible rematch in the Super Four and a potential showdown in the final.

Why Asia Cup 2025 is a T20 Tournament

The Asia Cup alternates between ODI and T20 formats depending on the ICC World Cup schedule. Since the next ICC T20 World Cup is in February 2026, the 2025 Asia Cup will follow the T20 format to provide teams with essential preparation.

Top Players to Watch

• Abhishek Sharma (India): Known for explosive batting and a career T20 strike rate of 193.
• Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): World-class T20 bowler and all-rounder, leading Afghanistan with experience and skill.
• Hasan Nawaz (Pakistan): Young striker with a T20 strike rate of 174, bringing firepower to Pakistan’s lineup.
• Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): In-form opener, crucial for Sri Lanka’s chances of winning a seventh Asia Cup.
• Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh): Consistent pacer with an impressive strike rate of 17.5 in T20s.

Notable Absentees

Some star players will miss the tournament, which could influence team strategies:

• Babar Azam (Pakistan)
• Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
• Rishabh Pant (India)
• Mohammed Siraj (India)
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh)
• Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)

History and Past Champions

The Asia Cup began in 1984 in the UAE with India defeating Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Held biennially, it has alternated between T20 and ODI formats over the years.

Most Successful Teams:

• India – 8 titles (1984, 1988, 1990–91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2023)
• Sri Lanka – 6 titles (1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, 2022)
• Pakistan – 2 titles (2000, 2012)

This makes India the defending champions, with Sri Lanka and Pakistan as strong competitors. Emerging teams like Afghanistan and Bangladesh could also make history this year.

How to Buy Tickets

Fans can purchase Asia Cup 2025 tickets online or from ticket booths at Abu Dhabi and Dubai stadiums. Early booking is recommended for high-demand matches, particularly India vs Pakistan games.

How to Follow and Stream Live

The Asia Cup 2025 will be covered extensively:

• Live Streaming: Major sports broadcasters and digital platforms will stream games.
• Live Commentary: Al Jazeera will provide text and photo updates for select matches, including India vs Pakistan and the final.
• Social Media: Follow official team accounts and the ACC for real-time highlights and match updates.

Final Thoughts

With 7 top Asian nations, a thrilling India-Pakistan rivalry, and rising stars like Abhishek Sharma and Rashid Khan, the Asia Cup 2025 promises non-stop T20 action. Fans can expect high-octane cricket, historic moments, and a showcase of the continent’s cricketing talent.