The Asia Cup 2025 is all set to bring excitement, thrill, and unforgettable moments for cricket lovers around the world. Organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), this mega event will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28, 2025. With 8 top Asian teams, the tournament will be hosted in the iconic stadiums of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, following the T20 International format (T20I).
In this guide, we will cover the complete Asia Cup 2025 schedule, groups, fixtures, captains, squads, venues, format, History of the Asia Cup, and all the latest updates you need to know. Whether you are looking for the India vs Pakistan clash, team squads, or the official Asia Cup 2025 schedule PDF download, we have got everything covered in one place.
Asia Cup 2025 Overview
| Category | Details |
| Tournament Name | Men Asia Cup 2025 |
| Organizer | Asian Cricket Council (ACC) |
| Host Country | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Host Cities | Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
| Format | T20 International (T20I) |
| Dates | 9 September to 28 September 2025 |
| Number of Teams | 8 |
| Groups | Men’s Asia Cup 2025 |
| Total Matches | 19 |
| Tournament Stages | Group Stage → Super Four → Final |
| Final Date | 28 September 2025 |
| Venues | Dubai International Stadium, Abu Dhabi Stadium ( Zayed Cricket) |
| Match Timings | 6:30 PM GST / 7:30 PM PKT / 8:00 PM IST |
| Highlight Match | India vs Pakistan (14 September, Dubai) |
Format and Structure of Asia Cup 2025
The Asia Cup 2025 will follow the T20I format, making it the third T20 edition in Asia Cup history. Fans love this format because it is fast-paced, action-packed, and delivers excitement in just a few hours.
- Group Stage: All 8 teams are divided into two groups (A & B). Each team will play 3 matches in the group stage.
- Super Four Stage: The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four.
- Final Match: The top two teams from the Super Four will clash in the final on September 28, 2025, in Dubai.
In total, 19 matches will be played across the tournament, giving fans almost three weeks of non-stop cricket action.
Asia Cup 2025 Teams and Captains
Eight teams will be participating in the tournament, with several new captains leading their sides after the retirements of senior stars. Here’s the list of teams and their captains:
| Group | Team | Captain |
| A | India | Surya Kumar Yadav |
| Pakistan | Salman Ali Agha | |
| UAE | Muhammad Waseem | |
| Oman | Jatinder Singh | |
| B | Sri Lanka | Charith Asilanka |
| Bangladesh | Litton Das | |
| Afaganistan | Rashid Khan | |
| Hong Kong | Yasim Murtaza |
This year’s tournament is extra exciting because many teams are experimenting with fresh leadership and young squads. Big names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (India) have retired after the 2024 T20 World Cup, while Pakistan has moved forward without Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, dropping them due to strike rate issues.
Asia Cup 2025 Schedule and Fixtures
The Asia Cup 2025 schedule has been officially announced by the ACC. The tournament already started on September 9, 2025, with the opening match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, and ends with the grand final on September 28, 2025, in Dubai.
Here are some key fixtures cricket fans are looking forward to:
- Opening Match: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong (Sep 9, Abu Dhabi)
- India vs UAE (Sep 10, Dubai)
- Pakistan vs Oman (Sep 12, Dubai)
- India vs Pakistan (Sep 14, Dubai) → The biggest clash of the tournament
- Super Four Matches: Sep 20–26 across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Final: Sep 28, Dubai
Matches will start at 6:30 PM Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is 8:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). Fans in Pakistan can watch the games at 7:30 PM PKT.
Asia Cup 2025 Points Table
The Asia Cup 2025 will include an official points table that tracks the performance and standings of every participating side. Teams will earn points for each victory or tie, while Net Run Rate (NRR) will serve as the deciding factor if two or more teams end up with equal points.
From each group, the two best-performing teams will qualify for the Super Four stage, where they will once again compete from scratch, starting with zero points. This ensures an even playing field and keeps the race for the trophy wide open.
Group A Points Table
| Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | Pts | NRR | Form | Upcoming Matches | For | Against |
| India 🇮🇳 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +10.483 | W | vs PAK, OMA | 60/4.3 | 57/20.0 |
| Pakistan 🇵🇰 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +4.650 | W | vs IND, UAE | 160/20.0 | 67/20.0 |
| Oman 🇴🇲 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -4.650 | L | vs UAE, IND | 67/20.0 | 160/20.0 |
| United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -10.483 | L | vs OMA, PAK | 57/20.0 | 60/4.3 |
Group B Points Table
Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | Pts | NRR | Form | Upcoming | For | Against |
| Afghanistan 🇦🇫 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +4.700 | W | vs BAN, SL | 188/20.0 | 94/20.0 |
| Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +2.595 | W | vs HKG, AFG | 144/17.4 | 143/20.0 |
| Bangladesh 🇧🇩 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -0.650 | W L | vs AFG | 237/40.0 | 332/37.4 |
| Hong Kong 🇭🇰 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2.889 | L L | vs SL | – | – |
Super Four Points Table
| Pos. | Team | P | W | L | N/R | Pts | NRR |
| 1 | Team 1 (Group A) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2 | Team 1 (Group B) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 3 | Team 2 (Group A) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 4 | Team 2 (Group B) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
Venues of the Asia Cup 2025
The entire tournament will be played in the United Arab Emirates, using two of the most iconic cricket stadiums:
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Known for its modern facilities and ability to host high-pressure matches like India vs Pakistan.
- Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi: Famous for its balanced pitch and exciting day-night encounters.
Both stadiums are well-prepared to welcome international teams and thousands of fans for Asia biggest cricketing event.
Asia Cup 2025 Squads – Players to Watch
While full squads are being finalized, here are some important updates and expectations:
- India: With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, youngsters like Suryakumar Yadav will play a key role.
- Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha leads a new-look squad without Babar Azam and Rizwan. Young power hitters may dominate.
- Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka takes charge, leading a balanced team with spinners and explosive batters.
- Bangladesh: Litton Das aims to prove himself as captain, backed by all-rounders.
- Afghanistan: Rashid Khan’s leadership and spin attack remain their biggest strength.
- UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong: Underdogs but capable of causing major upsets in the group stages.
Fans are also curious about emerging talents who might become the next superstars of Asian cricket.
Asia Cup: Legacy, Records, and Memorable Highlights
The Asia Cup is one of the most prestigious cricket competitions on the continent, organized under the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). It is the only official regional championship where leading Asian teams face off in both ODI and T20 formats.
Since its debut in 1984, the Asia Cup has witnessed legendary encounters, unforgettable rivalries, and remarkable individual performances. Powerhouses like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and emerging sides have battled for supremacy, making it a festival of cricket for millions of fans.
More than just cricket, the Asia Cup promotes unity, sportsmanship, and the spirit of healthy competition among Asian nations. From nail-biting thrillers to record-breaking achievements, every edition adds a new chapter to the rich history of the tournament.
Asia Cup History Guide
The journey of the Asia Cup began in 1984 at Sharjah, UAE, with only three nations: India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. India lifted the inaugural trophy, setting a benchmark for future editions. Over time, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and other associate teams joined the fray, making the event more competitive and unpredictable.
What sets the Asia Cup apart is its unique switch between ODI and T20 formats, aligned with the ICC global tournament cycle. For example, the 2016 and 2022 tournaments were staged in T20 format to prepare for the upcoming World Cups.
From unexpected upsets to thrilling finishes, the Asia Cup continues to captivate audiences. Each edition brings moments that fans cherish for years, making it one of the most eagerly awaited events on the cricket calendar.
Key Records in Asia Cup History
Most Titles
| Team | Titles |
| 🇮🇳 India | 🏆 8 |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | 🏆 6 |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 🏆 2 |
Top Run Scorers in the Asia Cup
| Player | Nation | Runs |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 1,220 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 1,075 |
| Shoaib Malik | Pakistan | 907 |
Leading Wicket-Takers in Asia Cup
| Bowler | Country | Wickets |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 30 |
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 29 |
| Saeed Ajmal | Pakistan | 25 |
Highest & Lowest Team Totals
- Highest Score: India – 374/4 vs Hong Kong (2008)
- Lowest Score: Bangladesh – 87 vs Pakistan (2000)
Iconic Moments in the Asia Cup
| Year | Event | Highlights |
| 1984 | First Asia Cup | India crowned inaugural champions |
| 1986 | Sri Lanka’s First Glory | Hosts defeated Pakistan to clinch their maiden title |
| 2000 | Pakistan’s Rise | Pakistan secured its first crown under Moin Khan captaincy |
| 2012 | Nail-biting Final | Pakistan edged Bangladesh by 2 runs in Dhaka |
| 2022 | Sri Lanka’s Revival | Bounced back from a poor start to beat Pakistan in the T20 final |
Complete List of Asia Cup Winners
| Year | Host Nation | Champion | Runner-Up | Format | Final Venue |
| 1984 | UAE | India | Sri Lanka | ODI | Sharjah |
| 1986 | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | ODI | Colombo (SSC) |
| 1988 | Bangladesh | India | Sri Lanka | ODI | Dhaka |
| 1990-91 | India | India | Sri Lanka | ODI | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| 1995 | UAE | India | Sri Lanka | ODI | Sharjah |
| 1997 | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | India | ODI | Colombo (SSC) |
| 2000 | Bangladesh | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | ODI | Dhaka |
| 2004 | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | India | ODI | Colombo (SSC) |
| 2008 | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | India | ODI | Karachi |
| 2010 | Sri Lanka | India | Sri Lanka | ODI | Dambulla |
| 2012 | Bangladesh | Pakistan | Bangladesh | ODI | Dhaka |
| 2014 | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | ODI | Dhaka |
| 2016 | Bangladesh | India | Bangladesh | T20 | Mirpur |
| 2018 | UAE | India | Bangladesh | ODI | Dubai |
| 2022 | UAE | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | T20 | Dubai |
Flashback: India Asia Cup 2023 Triumph
In the Asia Cup 2023 final, India crushed Sri Lanka in a historic match. Sri Lanka was bowled out for just 50 runs, and India chased the target in only 6.1 overs without losing a wicket.
That dominant performance still echoes among fans, making India one of the top contenders for the Asia Cup 2025.
Why Asia Cup 2025 Matters Ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The Asia Cup 2025 is not just about regional rivalry; it is also a dress rehearsal for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Teams are:
- Testing new captains and combinations
- Preparing young squads for global competition
- Building strategies for fast-paced T20 cricket
Winning this tournament will boost morale and give momentum for the upcoming World Cup.
Where to Watch Asia Cup 2025 Live
Fans across Asia and beyond will be able to watch the tournament on major TV sports networks and digital streaming platforms (official broadcasters to be announced soon).
- In India: Star Sports & Disney+ Hotstar (expected)
- In Pakistan: PTV Sports & Ten Sports (expected)
- In UAE & Gulf: OSN Cricket (expected)
- Global fans: Digital streaming services
Stay tuned for official broadcaster updates closer to the tournament.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling cricket tournaments of the year. With 8 strong teams, new captains, and matches hosted at world-class venues in the UAE, fans are guaranteed a spectacle from September 9 to 28, 2025.
From the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash to underdog battles, and from squad announcements to schedule PDF downloads, this tournament promises non-stop excitement.
Cricket lovers across Asia and beyond are ready, and the countdown has begun for the Asia Cup 2025.