\u201cI am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men\u2019s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket! Detailed schedule will be out soon. #Cricketwins,\u201d wrote Naqvi, also the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman on his \u2018X\u2019 account on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The hosting rights of the upcoming Asia Cup are with India, but the tournament will now be played in the UAE due to India\u2019s geopolitical and diplomatic tensions with Pakistan. With Asia Cup 2025 to be now played in the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi along with Sharjah are expected to be the host cities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Apart from India and Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Oman were to be a part of the tournament. India are the defending champions of the Asia Cup, having beaten Sri Lanka in the 2023 final held in the 50-over format in Colombo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That event was also affected by India-Pakistan tensions. Originally set to be hosted entirely by Pakistan, the 2023 Men\u2019s Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model after India refused to travel there, and had all its matches shifted to Sri Lanka.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Apart from India and Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Oman were to be a part of the tournament. India are the defending champions of the Asia Cup, having beaten Sri Lanka in the 2023 final held in the 50-over format in Colombo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With decks cleared for the Asia Cup to take place, it won\u2019t be a surprise if India and Pakistan are in the same group which means they will face each other thrice in the competition - once in the league stage, then in Super Fours round and potentially the final. The Asia Cup in T20 format will help teams prepare for the next year's T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka.<\/p>\r\n\r\n