The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled a revised schedule for the DP World Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28. Out of the 19 matches, 18 will now kick off at 6:30 PM Gulf Standard Time (GST), translating to 8:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). The lone exception is the UAE vs Oman match on September 15, scheduled for 4:00 PM GST (5:30 PM IST) at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium, marking the tournament’s only day game.
Why the Schedule Change?
This adjustment, coordinated with broadcasters and venue partners, aims to mitigate the intense Dubai heat, ensuring player safety and a better stadium experience during cooler evening hours. It also targets peak viewership in South Asia, boosting the tournament’s reach. The Asia Cup 2025 doubles as a critical warm-up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, heightening the stakes for all matches. For more on cricket schedules, check our tournament calendar.
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Tournament Structure and Groups
The 2025 edition features eight teams split into two groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
Each team will face the others in their group once, with the top two from each advancing to the Super 4 stage. In this phase, the qualifiers will play each other, and the top two will battle it out in the final on September 28 in Dubai. A reserve day on September 29 ensures continuity if weather disrupts the final. Dive into team previews with our Asia Cup 2025 guide.
Updated Match Schedule (All Times in IST)
Asia Cup 2025: Revised Match Schedule (In IST).
- Tuesday, 9 September: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, 10 September: India vs United Arab Emirates, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Thursday, 11 September: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM
- Friday, 12 September: Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, 13 September: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM
- Sunday, 14 September: India vs Pakistan, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Monday, 15 September: UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 5:30 PM
- Monday, 15 September: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, 16 September: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, 17 September: Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Thursday, 18 September: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM
- Friday, 19 September: India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM
- Super 4 Stage:
- Saturday, 20 September: B1 vs B2, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Sunday, 21 September: A1 vs A2, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Monday, 22 September: Rest Day
- Tuesday, 23 September: A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, 24 September: A1 vs B2, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Thursday, 25 September: A2 vs B2, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Friday, 26 September: A1 vs B1, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, 27 September: Rest Day
- Sunday, 28 September: Final, Dubai – 8:00 PM
- Monday, 29 September: Reserve Day
The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown on September 14 now starts at 8:00 PM IST, promising a thrilling night of cricket. For live updates, follow our cricket live scores.
It is being seen as a crucial preparatory event for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The timing and the format of the Asia Cup will allow coaches to assess player and team readiness ahead of the major ICC event. The 2025 Asia Cup will be played in the T20I format, with the ACC having decided earlier that it would to be played on a rotational basis, between ODI and T20.
What to Expect
This format ensures intense group-stage battles, with the Super 4 offering a chance for redemption. The revised timings align with fan preferences and regional viewing habits, making it a must-watch event. Stay tuned to our latest cricket news for more insights.