September 9, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: The Asia Cup 2025 Match series begins today in the United Arab Emirates, uniting eight teams in a 19-match contest over three weeks. Games will be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the final set for September 28 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Tournament Structure and Key Fixtures

The competition runs from September 9 to 28, 2025. Matches will be shared between the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Dubai will host 11 games, including the final, while Abu Dhabi stages eight.

Fixtures mostly begin at 6:30 pm UAE time, with one exception on September 15 when UAE face Oman at 4:00 pm in Abu Dhabi. Every Asia Cup 2025 Match is expected to draw huge attention, with evening schedules designed for prime-time viewing across Asia.

Teams are divided into two groups:

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

The top two from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, played in a round-robin format. The final two will then contest the championship on September 28.

Defending champions India open their campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai. The group’s most anticipated fixture comes on September 14, when India meet Pakistan in a clash expected to draw global attention. Afghanistan face Hong Kong in today’s opening Asia Cup 2025 match, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh look to revive their Asia Cup record. For UAE and Oman, the event provides a rare opportunity to test themselves against established cricket powers.

Why the UAE is Hosting the Asia Cup 2025 Match

The 2025 edition of the tournament was initially assigned to India; however, due to security concerns and ongoing political tensions, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) made the decision to relocate the event. Recent events, including a terrorist attack in Pahalgam and deteriorating relations between India and Pakistan, have raised significant concerns regarding safety.

Read More: Asia Cup 2025 Opening Match: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Set for Exciting Clash in Abu Dhabi

Mohsin Naqvi, the President of the ACC, confirmed that the United Arab Emirates would serve as the new host. He highlighted the UAE’s neutrality, superior facilities, and its proven track record in hosting international cricket events. The Emirates have successfully organized the Asia Cup in 2018, along with several ICC tournaments, establishing their reputation as a reliable venue for global cricket.

This relocation guarantees that teams, officials, and spectators can participate in the tournament without disruption, while also upholding fairness among the participating nations. Each Asia Cup 2025 Match will benefit from the Emirates’ world-class infrastructure and fan-friendly environment.

What Lies Ahead

The significance of the Asia Cup 2025 Match series extends beyond the mere attainment of the trophy. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, participating teams will utilize this event as a means to refine their strategies and evaluate younger players under competitive conditions. India’s primary objective is to reinforce its established dominance, having previously claimed the title on eight occasions. 

On the other hand, Pakistan seeks to demonstrate consistency in major tournaments. Meanwhile, teams such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan aspire to achieve significant breakthroughs. The UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong enter the tournament as underdogs, yet they possess the capacity to influence the competition through unexpected victories.

Fans throughout Asia can engage with the tournament’s progress via CricLife and StarzPlay in the UAE, as well as through Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV in India. With a total of 19 matches scheduled over a span of less than three weeks, the tournament promises an exhibition of high-intensity cricket, historic rivalries, and the emergence of new talents.

As the opening delivery occurs today, the countdown has commenced toward determining Asia’s premier T20 team, with the final scheduled for September 28 in Dubai.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan Match Set for Dubai Showdown in Asia Cup 2025