Asia Cup 2025: UAE confirmed as hosts, India vs Pakistan to take place in Dubai

Dubai: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has confirmed that the 2025 Asia Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi designated as the official host cities.

Scheduled from September 9 to 28, the Asia Cup 2025 will feature top Asian cricketing nations, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and qualifiers UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong.

The 19-match tournament will follow the T20 format, with Dubai set to host 11 matches—including the final—while Abu Dhabi will stage the remaining eight.

Originally set to be hosted by India, the tournament was relocated due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following recent regional incidents. The ACC opted for the UAE’s neutral and well-established cricketing venues to ensure full participation and smooth logistics.

Matches will be split between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the Dubai International Stadium hosting key fixtures—including the India vs Pakistan showdown and the tournament final.

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium will stage several group-stage and Super Four matches.

“The Asia Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of Asian cricket,” said ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, highlighting the significance of hosting the 2025 edition in the UAE.

“Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well equipped to deliver a seamless and world-class experience for players, fans, and broadcasters alike,” he added.

The defending champions, India, have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, hosts UAE, and Oman, while Group B will feature Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.

India is set to face UAE and Pakistan in Dubai before travelling to Abu Dhabi to play Oman. The tournament final will take place in Dubai on September 28.

Reaffirming its commitment to advancing elite-level cricket in the region, the ACC expressed confidence that the UAE’s top-tier infrastructure will serve as a fitting stage for Asia’s marquee cricket event.

Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, in the T20 format.