Reports: Asia Cup 2025 set to begin on September 5 in UAE, India-Pakistan clash on September 7

The Asia Cup 2025 is expected to begin on September 5, with the final scheduled for September 21, as per reports. The participating teams will include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has nearly finalised the 17-day window, with India set to face Pakistan on September 7 in the initial match-up. It is understood that all participating nations, including the official hosts India, are close to securing government clearances for the tournament, which will be held in the UAE.

The tournament is set to follow a group stage and Super Fours format which there is a likelihood to witness India and Pakistan clash at least twice, with a potential second encounter on September 14.

The promotional activities for the event have already begun, with official broadcaster Sony recently unveiling the tournament poster. The development is welcomed by stakeholders eagerly anticipating the India-Pakistan showdown in the multi-nation event even as the recent cross-border tensions have worsened the diplomatic ties even further.

The tournament could serve as a major catalyst ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan was slated to play all their matches, including knockout games if they qualify, in Sri Lanka, but recent events raised questions over the future of cricket between the two nations.

The movement on the Asia Cup front comes as a major relief for broadcasters, sponsors, and other stakeholders which offer much-needed clarity ahead of the two major multi-nation events scheduled later this year.

Looking ahead, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka will host the next three editions of the Asia Cup. The tournament will continue to alternate formats – the 2027 edition will be ODI, followed by a T20I format in 2029, and a return to ODI for the 2031 edition in Sri Lanka.