The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced revised match timings for the Asia Cup 2025 to address potential weather disruptions and enhance the experience for players and fans. The 15th edition of the men’s T20I tournament, starting September 9, 2025, in the UAE, will now see most matches begin at 6:30 PM UAE time (7:30 PM PKT). This article details the updated schedule, team groupings, and the significance of the changes.
The ACC shifted match start times from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM UAE time to ensure smoother playing conditions. For instance, this adjustment mitigates risks from evening humidity and potential rain, common in the UAE during September. A doubleheader on September 15 includes UAE vs. Oman at 4:30 PM in Abu Dhabi and Sri Lanka vs. Hong Kong at 6:30 PM in Dubai.
The Asia Cup 2025 features eight teams in T20I format, divided into two groups. Group A comprises Pakistan, India, the UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The tournament kicks off on September 9 with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the final set for September 21, 2025.
Read: Pakistan Defeats Afghanistan in 2025 Tri-Series Opener
The ACC highlighted weather concerns as a primary factor for the revised timings. September’s unpredictable weather in the UAE, including sudden showers, could disrupt matches. By starting later, the council aims to minimise delays and ensure safer conditions for players. Additionally, the later start accommodates fans across Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India, where prime-time viewership peaks, per ESPNcricinfo.
The adjusted schedule enhances the fan experience by aligning with convenient viewing hours. For example, the 7:30 PM PKT start suits South Asian audiences, who form the tournament’s largest viewership base, with over 700 million viewers in 2023. The latter timing reduces heat-related fatigue, improving performance on the field. The doubleheader format also maximises stadium attendance, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Complete schedule of ACC Men’s Asia Cup
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 9 September | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong |
| 10 September | India vs UAE |
| 11 September | Bangladesh vs Hong Kong |
| 12 September | Pakistan vs Oman |
| 13 September | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka |
| 14 September | India vs Pakistan |
| 15 September | UAE vs Oman |
| 15 September | Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong |
| 16 September | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan |
| 17 September | Pakistan vs UAE |
| 18 September | Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan |
| 19 September | India vs Oman |
Super Four Stage
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| September 20 | B1 vs B2 |
| September 21 | A1 vs A2 |
| September 23 | A2 vs B1 |
| September 24 | A1 vs B2 |
| September 25 | A2 vs B2 |
| September 26 | A1 vs B1 |
| September 28 | Final |
