By Krishna Dua 
Asia Cup 2025: Full Schedule and Must-Watch Matches
Introduction
The cricketing world is buzzing with excitement as the Asia Cup 2025 is set to kick off in the United Arab Emirates. This year’s tournament, running from September 9 to September 28, promises to be a high-octane affair as it is being played in the T20 format, a crucial preparatory ground for the T20 World Cup scheduled for the following year. With eight teams vying for continental supremacy, fans can expect a month of thrilling encounters, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the full schedule, team groupings, key players, and the must-watch matches that will define the Asia Cup 2025.
Tournament Format and Teams
The 2025 Asia Cup, the 17th edition of the tournament, is a T20 International event organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman.
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
The format is straightforward. Each team will play every other team in its group once during the group stage. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the Super 4 stage. In the Super 4s, the four qualified teams will play a round-robin format, with the top two teams from the Super 4 standings progressing to the final on September 28.
Player to Watch: A New Generation of Superstars
This tournament is significant as it marks a new era for many of the subcontinent’s top teams. India, the defending champions, have a new-look squad with some major names missing.
- Suryakumar Yadav (India): “SKY” will be leading the Indian side in the absence of veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have retired from T20 internationals. Known for his unorthodox and explosive hitting, Suryakumar will be under immense pressure to deliver, not just with the bat but also as a captain. His performance will be a key indicator of India’s readiness for the next T20 World Cup.
- Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan): Salman Ali Agha has taken over the captaincy reins for Pakistan. A fresh face in the leadership role, his captaincy will be tested against some of the best teams in the continent. His calm demeanor and all-around abilities will be crucial for Pakistan’s campaign.
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): The superstar all-rounder will be leading a talented Afghan side that is a dark horse in the tournament. Rashid Khan’s leg-spin and powerful lower-order hitting make him a threat in every department of the game. Afghanistan’s historic win against Pakistan in a recent tri-series has made them a team to watch out for.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): After a remarkable comeback from injury, Hasaranga will be a key player for Sri Lanka. His leg-spin and his ability to contribute with the bat make him a vital asset for the team as they look to defend their T20 Asia Cup title from 2022.
The Schedule: All Dates and Venues (IST)
The entire tournament will be hosted at two venues in the UAE: the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. All matches, except for one, will start at 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local time), a shift from the initial schedule to mitigate the extreme heat. The one exception is the UAE vs Oman match, which is a day game.
- September 9 (Tuesday): Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, 8:00 PM
- September 10 (Wednesday): India vs UAE, Dubai, 8:00 PM
- September 11 (Thursday): Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, 8:00 PM
- September 12 (Friday): Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai, 8:00 PM
- September 13 (Saturday): Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, 8:00 PM
- September 14 (Sunday): India vs Pakistan, Dubai, 8:00 PM
- September 15 (Monday): UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi, 5:30 PM
- September 15 (Monday): Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Dubai, 8:00 PM
- September 16 (Tuesday): Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi, 8:00 PM
- September 17 (Wednesday): Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai, 8:00 PM
- September 18 (Thursday): Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi, 8:00 PM
- September 19 (Friday): India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi, 8:00 PM
Super 4 Stage
The Super 4 stage is where the real competition begins, as the top four teams will battle it out to secure a spot in the final.
- September 20 (Saturday): B1 vs B2, Dubai, 8:00 PM
- September 21 (Sunday): A1 vs A2, Dubai, 8:00 PM
- September 23 (Tuesday): A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi, 8:00 PM
- September 24 (Wednesday): A1 vs B2, Dubai, 8:00 PM
- September 25 (Thursday): A2 vs B2, Dubai, 8:00 PM
- September 26 (Friday): A1 vs B1, Dubai, 8:00 PM
The Final Showdown
- September 28 (Sunday): Final, Dubai, 8:00 PM
Must-Watch Matches: The Blockbusters
While every match in the Asia Cup is important, some encounters carry an extra layer of history, rivalry, and significance.
- India vs Pakistan (September 14, Dubai): This is, without a doubt, the most anticipated match of the tournament. The rivalry between these two nations transcends the sport and draws in millions of viewers worldwide. This will be the first time the two teams face each other since the geopolitical tensions escalated following a recent event. The match will feature two new captains and a host of young players eager to make their mark on the biggest stage.
- Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (September 13, Abu Dhabi): The rivalry between these two teams has grown in intensity over the past few years, with their matches often being highly competitive and emotionally charged. Both teams have a point to prove, and this game could be a crucial decider in Group B.
- India vs UAE (September 10, Dubai): The opening match for the defending champions. This game will set the tone for India’s campaign and will be a good test for their new-look squad. The hosts, UAE, will be looking to put up a strong fight in front of their home crowd.
- The Final (September 28, Dubai): The grand finale promises to be a spectacular conclusion to the tournament. If the two arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, make it to the final, the excitement will reach a fever pitch.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup 2025 is more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a celebration of a sport that unites a continent. With a new format, new captains, and new rivalries, this year’s edition is poised to deliver a level of excitement that fans have been waiting for. The schedule is packed with thrilling encounters, and the stage is set for a new champion to be crowned. As the teams prepare to battle it out in the UAE, the world waits to witness a new chapter in Asian cricketing history