At the Asia Cup, cricket fans in the United Arab Emirates might see India and Pakistan play each other up to three times in a single month. Given that there are no bilateral cricket relations because of political concerns, the regional event has long been one of the few venues for the bitter rivals to meet. This gives every competition more weight and frequently attracts attention from outside of Asia.
Both sides have been assigned to the same group for the 2025 edition, ensuring at least one encounter. September 14 in Dubai is the date of their eagerly awaited Group Stage match, which is projected to draw crowded stadiums and millions of spectators from around the globe.
If both teams progress from the group stage, they will square off again in the Super Four, a round-robin contest among the top four sides — a phase that could ultimately decide the finalists.
And if India and Pakistan sustain their strong form, fans could witness the rarest spectacle — a blockbuster Asia Cup final between the arch-rivals. Such a clash would not only crown the tournament but also rank among the year’s most-watched cricket contests.
For the first time since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has selected a full-strength squad; nevertheless, concerns still surround the composition of their starting line-up.
With Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan still out of the team following a spell of declining results (and strike rates), Pakistan has a new-look top order.
India, the defending champions, are also the tournament’s most successful side with eight titles to their name. Sri Lanka follow as the second-most successful team, having lifted the Asia Cup six times.
Originally an ODI tournament, the Asia Cup has alternated between the ODI and T20I formats over the past ten years, depending on whether the forthcoming World Cup is a T20I or ODI competition. A few months before to the 2023 ODI World Cup, the preceding Asia Cup in 2023 was an ODI competition. Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February, this Asia Cup is a Twenty20 International competition.
The tournament will take place in the UAE, with matches scheduled in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Most games will begin at 6:30 pm local time, except for one double-header day when fixtures start at 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm.
