Dubai to host Pakistan-India showdown as Asia Cup 2025 venues announced
Asia Cup trophy was being displayed in Colombo. Photo. AFP/File
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday unveiled the venues and match schedule for the Asia Cup 2025, with Dubai set to host the tournament’s most anticipated clash between India and Pakistan.
Announcing the details on his X account, Naqvi confirmed that the eight-team tournament will be held across two iconic venues in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium — from September 9 to 28.
ACC T20 Asia Cup venues and match timings are out! Looking forward to packed stadiums and some truly breath-taking encounters! pic.twitter.com/eKrJcwnJlj
The Asia Cup faced uncertainty after India refused to play in Pakistan due to heightened tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam attack. However, the uncertainty was finally laid to rest last month when ACC President Mohsin Naqvi officially confirmed that the Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28.
According to the schedule available on the ACC website, the Abu Dhabi stadium will host eight matches, including a Super Four encounter on September 23. However, the bulk of the action — including the blockbuster Pakistan vs India group match on September 14 and the tournament final on September 28 — will take place in Dubai.
All matches are scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time.
The eight teams have been divided into two groups. Group A features arch-rivals Pakistan and India along with hosts UAE and Oman, while Group B consists of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.
The tournament kicks off on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan will open their campaign against Oman on September 12 before facing India in what is expected to be a high-voltage clash on September 14. Their final group match is scheduled against UAE on September 17.
Following the group stage, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the Super Four stage, potentially setting up another Pakistan-India showdown on September 21.
The top two teams from the Super Four will then progress to the final, slated for September 28 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.