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Key Points

The Men’s Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from September 9-28, as confirmed by ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. The tournament shifts to T20 format, serving as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Due to geopolitical tensions, India’s hosting rights were moved to the UAE, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah as venues. Fans can expect high-voltage clashes, especially between India and Pakistan, who may face each other multiple times.

Key Points: ACC President Naqvi Confirms Men's Asia Cup in UAE from September 9-28

  • Asia Cup 2025 to be held in UAE due to India-Pakistan tensions
  • Tournament shifts to T20 format ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup
  • India and Pakistan likely to face off multiple times
  • Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to host matches
2 min read

Men's Asia Cup to be held from September 9-28 in the UAE, confirms ACC President Naqvi

ACC President Mohsin Naqvi announces Men's Asia Cup T20 tournament in UAE from September 9-28, with India and Pakistan likely to clash.

"I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket! – Mohsin Naqvi"

Dhaka, July 26

The Men’s Asia Cup, to be held in the T20 format, will be held from September 9-28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), confirmed Mohsin Naqvi, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President. The development comes following the ACC’s meeting in Dhaka, where the BCCI apparently joined in virtually.

“I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men’s 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,” wrote Naqvi, also the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman on his ‘X’ account on Saturday.

The hosting rights of the upcoming Asia Cup are with India, but the tournament will now be played in the UAE due to India’s 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.

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.

That event was also affected by India-Pakistan tensions. Originally set to be hosted entirely by Pakistan, the 2023 Men’s Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model after India refused to travel there, and had all its matches shifted to Sri Lanka.

This hybrid model was again replayed for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy – the tournament was to be played entirely in Pakistan. But India pushing for a hybrid model meant all of its games were played in Dubai, as they eventually won the trophy.

With decks cleared for the Asia Cup to take place, it won’t 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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Ananya R
Disappointed that we can't host in India despite having rights. Politics shouldn't mix with sports. Our stadiums are world-class and fans here deserve to watch live. But at least the tournament is happening 🙏
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Vikram M
T20 format is perfect before World Cup! UAE pitches will give good practice to our batsmen. Hope Hardik is fit by then - we need his all-round skills. #BleedBlue
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Sarah B
As an expat in Dubai, I'm thrilled! Finally get to watch cricket live after 3 years. Already checking flight prices for friends coming from India. The stadium atmosphere for India-Pak matches is electric âš¡
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Karthik V
Hybrid model is becoming routine now. While I understand security concerns, cricket diplomacy could help ease tensions. Remember how 2004 series improved relations? Just saying...
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Priya S
Hope they keep ticket prices reasonable this time. Last Asia Cup in UAE was too expensive for middle-class families. Cricket should be accessible to all fans, not just the rich NRIs!

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