The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is set to be played in the United Arab Emirates UAE from September 9 to 28, 2025, witnessing eight teams fight it out for the coveted title. This year's tournament, played in the T20I format, will be seen as a preparation platform for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka.
For the first time, the Asia Cup will feature eight teams, split into two groups. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The top two from each group will progress to the Super Four stage, where teams face each other once more before the top two qualify for the final in Dubai on September 28.
The marquee India vs Pakistan clash will headline the group stage on September 14 in Dubai. If both teams progress, they could meet again in the Super Fours September 21 and possibly in the final, making it the first time in the history of the tournament. Dubai will host 11 matches, including the final, while Abu Dhabi will have eight fixtures. Meanwhile, India enters as defending champions, having beaten Sri Lanka in the 2023 final, and also holds the record with eight Asia Cup titles. Sri Lanka follows with six, while Pakistan has lifted the trophy twice.