India eyes 9th title as Asia Cup 2025 T20 kicks off in UAE from today

For the first time in history, eight teams including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will clash in the Asia Cup T20. The 20-day tournament will feature 19 matches, with the final on September 28 in Dubai.

The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 T20 tournament begins today in the United Arab Emirates. Making history, this edition features eight teams for the very first time, compared to the maximum of six in previous years.

The opening clash will see Afghanistan take on Hong Kong. On the other hand, fans are eagerly waiting for India’s first game, which comes tomorrow against UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Also Read:Suryakumar Yadav to lead India in Asia Cup 2025; squad finalised ahead of Sep 9 kick-off

Tournament Format and Duration

The tournament will run for 20 days and will feature a total of 19 matches. The format is as follows:

•    Group Stage: India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman are in Group A, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong are in Group B.
•    Each team plays once against every other team in its group.
•    The top two teams from each group qualify for the Super Four stage.
•    From the Super Four, the two best sides progress to the final on September 28, scheduled at the Dubai International Stadium.

Also Read:Dhoni on the big screen? Explosive teaser of The Chase with R. Madhavan out now!

India’s Full Schedule

•    Sep 10: India vs UAE (2nd Match, Group A), Dubai International Stadium – 8:00 PM IST
•    Sep 14: India vs Pakistan (6th Match, Group A), Dubai International Stadium – 8:00 PM IST
•    Sep 19: India vs Oman (12th Match, Group A), Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM IST
•    Sep 20–26: Super Four matches in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
•    Sep 28: Final, Dubai International Stadium – 8:00 PM IST

This schedule ensures fans get a dose of top-tier cricket action almost every alternate day, especially with the much-hyped India vs Pakistan clash on September 14.

Also Read:What is ‘RCB Cares’? RCB’s new initiative for fans, safety, and support

Asia Cup’s Rich Legacy

The Asia Cup was first introduced in 1984, originally as a one-day format. Since 2016, the format has alternated between ODI and T20, depending on the upcoming ICC tournaments.

•    2016 – T20
•    2018 – ODI
•    2022 – T20
•    2023 – ODI
•    2025 – T20 again

This is only the third time the tournament is being played in T20 format.

Past Champions

•    India: 8 titles (also finished runner-up three times)
•    Sri Lanka: 6 titles
•    Pakistan: 2 titles

Also Read:RCB Cares: Franchise announces ₹25 lakh aid for families of stampede victims

With India leading the trophy tally and defending their dominance, this edition will test their consistency in a fast-paced T20 format.

What Makes 2025 Special?

•    First time with 8 teams – Hong Kong and Oman joining adds a fresh dynamic.
•    Two UAE venues – Dubai International Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Stadium will host all matches.
•    High-stakes clashes – Especially India vs Pakistan, expected to be a blockbuster.
•    Final on September 28 – A fitting conclusion to a 20-day cricket festival.