Asia Cup 2025: Cricket’s Continental Championship Returns with Eight-Team T20 Format

Tournament Overview

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9-28, 2025, featuring eight teams competing in the T20 format across 19 matches.

Venue and Format

The tournament will be split between two venues, with 11 matches, including the final, to be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium will host the remaining eight matches.

The teams are divided into two groups:
Group A: India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Oman
Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong

The format will see each group play a round-robin, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four will then compete for the trophy.

Key Matchups and Schedule

The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for September 14 in Dubai, with a potential second meeting in the Super Four stage on September 21 if both teams qualify. Interestingly, despite the tournament’s long history, these two cricket powerhouses have never met in an Asia Cup final.

Tournament Significance

Since 2016, the Asia Cup has alternated between ODI and T20I formats. The 2025 edition will be played in the T20 format as a crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This tournament marks India’s first major multi-team ICC event since the retirement of cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the T20 format following their T20 World Cup victory last year.

Broadcasting Information

Cricket fans can catch the live streaming on the SonyLIV app and website. Television broadcasts will be available on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 1 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD channels. Regional language coverage will be provided on Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 3 HD (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu) channels.