Lahore/Dubai — The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is close to finalizing the schedule for the Asia Cup after years of diplomatic tensions and organizational delays. According to sources, the official schedule is expected to be released within the next 24 to 48 hours possibly in a phased or staggered format.

Preliminary reports suggest that tournament of this year is scheduled for September will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the proposed host cities.

Expected Schedule and Format

Key details about the tournament are as follows:

  • Tentative Dates: September 10 to 28, 2025
  • Alternate Start Date: September 9 (Thursday)
  • Format: T20 (to align with the 2026 T20 World Cup preparations)
  • Participating Teams: 8

    • India
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
    • Bangladesh
    • Afghanistan
    • Hong Kong
    • UAE
    • Oman
  • Number of Matches: Approximately 19
  • Final Match: Likely to be played on the last Sunday of September

Pakistan vs. India

The traditional rivals Pakistan and India are expected to be placed in the same group creating the potential for three high-stakes clashes:

  1. Group Stage
  2. Super Four
  3. Potential Final Match

Discussions are ongoing about holding a league-stage match between the two teams on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai although the date and venue have yet to be officially confirmed.

Official Host

While the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) will officially retain hosting rights, the tournament is set to be held in UAE due to security concerns raised by Pakistan and travel restrictions related to the Indian team.

The ACC is expected to make the formal announcement via its official platforms after which ticketing, broadcasting and security arrangements will begin.

Commercial Deals Finalized

At a high-level meeting held in Dhaka on July 24, the BCCI and other stakeholders finalized matters related to commercial rights and sponsorships of the tournament. The only thing left now is the formal approval and public release of the schedule.

Countdown Begins for Cricket Fans

The Asia Cup 2025 will not only serve as a major preparation ground for Asian teams ahead of the T20 World Cup but will also gain massive commercial and emotional significance due to the possibility of multiple India-Pakistan encounters.

All eyes are now on the Asian Cricket Council and it seems the moment cricket fans around the world have long been waiting for is just a few hours away.