The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to begin on September 9th, with a potential India-Pakistan clash on September 14th. Both teams are placed in Group A, along with UAE and Oman. A second match is likely during the Super Four stage on September 21st. Furthermore, the possibility of a final encounter exists, creating the potential for three India-Pakistan matches in a single month. Despite their rich cricketing history, the two teams have never played each other in the final of the Asia Cup.
India’s first match will be on September 10th, with all matches held in Dubai, UAE. Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The tournament will consist of 19 matches across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with a 17-player squad for each team.
Though the BCCI is the official host, the tournament will be held in the UAE. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) made this decision at a meeting on July 24th. The venue change is due to India and Pakistan agreeing to play only at neutral venues until 2027, because of continued political issues.
To maximize viewership, the ACC ensures India and Pakistan are in the same group, thereby guaranteeing at least two matches. The format of the tournament increases the chances of an exciting final if both teams make it through to the knockout rounds.