The ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, initially scheduled to be hosted in India, has officially been shifted to the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. The tournament will be played in the T20 format from September 9 to 28, with eight teams participating and an India–Pakistan group-stage showdown already confirmed for September 14 in Dubai.
The decision to relocate the event was finalized at the Asian Cricket Council’s recent meeting. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India retains the hosting rights, the UAE will stage all matches to ensure smooth participation from all teams and avoid logistical or diplomatic issues. The move follows similar precedents in previous Asia Cups, where neutral venues were chosen in light of cross-border tensions.
The competition will feature eight sides, divided into two groups. Group A will include India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B will consist of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The top two from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, with the final set for September 28. In total, the tournament will comprise 19 matches played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
The India–Pakistan clash is expected to be the tournament’s marquee fixture. The arch-rivals are likely to face each other again in the Super Four stage and possibly in the final, depending on their progress. The match-up is already generating huge anticipation, with global broadcasters preparing for record viewership.
The UAE provides ideal conditions for such a high-profile event, boasting world-class facilities and neutral ground advantages. It also offers a familiar environment for all participating teams, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Beyond the logistics, the relocation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing cricketing commitments with political realities. Despite the move, the tournament is set to serve as an important platform for Asian teams to test combinations and strategies ahead of global competitions.
With eight teams competing and the stage set for one of cricket’s most intense rivalries, the Asia Cup 2025 promises to be a showcase of both talent and temperament. The September 14 India–Pakistan clash in Dubai is expected to be the defining moment of the group stages, with the entire cricketing world set to watch as the continent’s biggest tournament unfolds in the desert.