The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced a change in the match timings for the upcoming DP World Asia Cup 2025, set to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28. According to the updated schedule, 18 out of the 19 matches in the tournament will now begin at 6:30 PM Gulf Standard Time (GST), which corresponds to 8:00 PM Indian Time.
This revised scheduling decision, made in coordination with broadcasters and venue partners, aims to avoid the excessive heat of Dubai as much as possible and also to maximise primetime viewership across key cricketing nations in South Asia while also offering a more fan-friendly experience in stadiums during the cooler evening hours in the Gulf region.
The Asia Cup 2025 will not only serve as a vital platform for regional supremacy but also as key preparation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, making every match crucial.
Tournament Format and Groups
The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup will feature eight teams, divided into two groups of four:
Group A: India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman
Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
Each team will play the others in their group once, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4 stage. In the Super 4, each qualifier will face the other three teams, and the top two from this round will proceed to the final, scheduled for Sunday, 28 September in Dubai.
A reserve day for the final has been set for Monday, 29 September, ensuring contingency in case of weather interruptions.
