Asia Cup 2025: Tentative Start Date and Format Revealed

The eagerly awaited Asia Cup 2025 is expected to kick off in the second week of September, with 10 September being the most likely start date. However, an official confirmation from the authorities is still pending.

According to reports, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) will announce the full schedule for the six-nation tournament in early July. The upcoming edition will follow the T20 format, aligning with preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Although India is officially designated as the host for this year’s event, the tournament is expected to be held in the UAE due to ongoing political tensions in the region. A hybrid hosting model is also under consideration.

Earlier, speculation arose that India might withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025 due to escalating tensions with Pakistan. These tensions have further intensified following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Recent Indian media reports suggest that India and Pakistan are unlikely to face each other in the group stages of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. A source close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) indicated that the matter will be addressed at the upcoming ICC annual conference.

Strained relations between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been frequently highlighted in recent months, with India’s decision to decline participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan being the latest flashpoint.

Asia Cup 2025 Format and Participating Teams

The tournament will feature six teams competing in the T20 format:

• India

• Pakistan

• Sri Lanka

• Afghanistan

• Bangladesh

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Read More: BCCI Refuses to Participate in Asia Cup 2025 Under ACC’s Pakistani Chairman