The 2025 edition of the Men’s Asia Cup will take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28, featuring eight teams and 19 matches in the T20I format—marking a historic expansion of the tournament and setting the stage for one of the most anticipated India-Pakistan showdowns in years.
The official confirmation came directly from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who announced the dates following the ACC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dhaka.
“I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th,”
— Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter)
“We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket! Detailed schedule will be out soon.”
— Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter)
Schedule pic.twitter.com/tFPlPN7JGd
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 26, 2025
Eight-team format adds new edge to Asia Cup
For the first time in its history, the Asia Cup will feature eight teams, up from six in the previous edition, making this the most inclusive and geographically diverse tournament to date. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
India and Pakistan will square off in a marquee group-stage clash on September 14, with the possibility of two additional meetings—one in the Super Four stage on September 21, and potentially a blockbuster final on September 28.
The tournament structure includes a group stage, followed by a Super Four round featuring the top two teams from each group. The top two from that stage will meet in the final.
“This year marks yet another milestone in ACC’s journey. With the inclusion of additional teams, we are witnessing the game’s boundaries expand, both geographically and competitively.”
— Naqvi was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
A unified front at the ACC Annual General Meeting
The schedule was finalized during the ACC’s AGM in Dhaka, which featured full participation from all 25 member nations. The meeting also approved a new tournament calendar for 2025–2026 and emphasized expanding cricket’s reach across Asia.
“The meeting went very well. We have 25 ACC members and all of them participated in this meeting.”
— Naqvi said while addressing the media after the ACC Annual General Meeting in Dhaka
“We have all decided to work for cricket. None of us wants politics inside any of our organisations and it was a very good meeting in a very good atmosphere.”
— Naqvi said during the media briefing following the ACC AGM
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) played host to the AGM, and Naqvi was full of praise for their efforts.
“I would like to thank Aminul Bhai and the BCB for their hospitality and the way they have looked after us. We had two amazing, memorable days here. On behalf of the ACC, I want to thank them for organising everything so well. It was amazing.”
— Naqvi said during the ACC AGM closing session
“Some couldn’t travel to Dhaka due to scheduling issues, just like I couldn’t go to Singapore once. The important thing is, all members were present and engaged.”
— Naqvi said during the media interaction in Dhaka
Naqvi: ‘Put aside political differences and work just for cricket’
Naqvi used the platform to urge unity among Asian cricketing nations, underscoring the need to prioritize the sport over politics, especially at a time when regional tensions often threaten to overshadow cricketing events.
An evening of legacy, unity, and pride.
From cricket diplomacy to cultural brilliance — “Celebrating – THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET” was a tribute to the game that unites a continent.
Hosted with heart by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. 🇧🇩Attended by: ACC Delegates • Bangladesh &… pic.twitter.com/OB0Qbu5dU0
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) July 23, 2025
“It’s not just that you’re here; it’s about a team, as we discussed, that we need to work as a team. We need to put aside all our political differences and work just for cricket.”
— Naqvi said during a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board
“It is a family of cricketing nations, where we all need to support and strengthen each other. The most important thing is, whoever wins means we all will win; so, let’s get together and discuss how we can strengthen the ACC and how we can help our associate members.”
— Naqvi said at the same BCB reception
“As the president of ACC, I can assure you that we will do whatever is required to make this body the strongest body for Asian games.”
— Naqvi said during his remarks at the reception
PCB Chairman and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi’s speech at the reception hosted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board in Dhaka, in honour of ACC members and the Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket teams. pic.twitter.com/7sha0ztJfy
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 24, 2025
Deepening regional partnerships beyond the boundary
On the sidelines of the AGM, Naqvi also met with Bangladesh’s Minister for Youth and Sports to discuss broader cooperation between the two nations. Their dialogue spanned umpiring development, youth initiatives, women’s cricket, and even renewable energy innovation.
“By investing in sports, skills, and education, we can create lasting opportunities for our young people.”
— Naqvi said during his meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister for Youth and Sports
ڈھاکہ۔ وفاقی وزیرداخلہ و چئیرمین پی سی بی محسن نقوی کی بنگلہ دیش کے وزیرکھیل۔ امور نوجوانان۔ لوکل گورنمنٹ و دیہی ترقی آصف محمود سے ملاقات
ملاقات میں دونوں ممالک کے درمیان کھیلوں خصوصا کرکٹ کے فروغ و ایمپائرز ڈویلپمنٹ پروگرامز کیلئے تعاون پر اتفاق pic.twitter.com/Gq4bZ2LrLt— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) July 24, 2025
The meeting reaffirmed the ACC’s evolving role—not just as a tournament organizer, but as a developmental hub promoting cricket, education, and cross-border collaboration in Asia.
“These two days were truly memorable. The environment was positive and constructive. No one wants politics; we are all here to work for cricket.”
— Naqvi said during a post-meeting interaction with the media
“He worked day and night to make this happen. I am really looking forward to receiving him in Pakistan.”
— Naqvi said, referring to BCB President Aminul Islam during the ACC meeting
Looking ahead
With the Asia Cup 2025 locked in for September and a wider field of teams, the tournament will serve as a high-stakes prelude to the ICC T20 World Cup in early 2026. For the ACC, it’s more than just cricket—it’s a strategic leap toward expanding the sport’s footprint across the continent.
From historic rivalries to new entrants, and from administrative unity to developmental vision, Asia Cup 2025 is shaping up to be much more than a tournament—it’s a statement of purpose.
