Asia Cup 2025 to Be Held in UAE from September 9-28, Not in India: Naqvi. The tournament was relocated to a neutral venue due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, under an agreement that they will play each other only at neutral venues until 2027
Why UAE Instead of India?
- India, as the official host via the BCCI, and Pakistan have agreed to play only at neutral venues through 2027 to avoid diplomatic and security complications observed during ACC events
- The decision came after a contentious ACC meeting in Dhaka on July 24, 2025, attended by all 25 member countries
- The UAE—familiar with hosting neutral‑venue matches and boasting world‑class cricket infrastructure—was selected to host all matches https://elevenpakistan.com/
Tournament Format & Dates
- Dates: September 9 to September 28, 2025
- Format: T20 International
- Teams (8):
- Full ACC Members: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan
- Qualified via 2024 ACC Premier Cup: UAE, Oman, Hong Kong ESPN
- Structure:
- Group stage: Two groups of four
- Super 4 stage: Top two from each group compete in a single round‑robin
- Final: Top two from Super 4 meet on September 28
Group A & India–Pakistan Showdown
- Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
- India vs Pakistan:
- Scheduled in Group stage on September 14, 2025
- If both teams advance, they could meet again in the Super 4 and possibly in the final on September 28
Context & Background
- Originally, India was expected to host in India, but political and security tensions, especially after the military confrontation in May 2025, disrupted planning
- A compromise was made at the ACC meeting when the BCCI agreed, via virtual attendance (represented by vice‑president Rajeev Shukla), that matches involving Pakistan would be relocated to neutral venues ESPN
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United Arab Emirates (neutral venue) |
| Official Host | India (Board of Control for Cricket in India) |
| Tournament Dates | September 9 – 28, 2025 |
| Number of Teams | 8 |
| Format | Group stage → Super 4 → Final |
| Key Match: IND vs PAK | Group match on Sept 14; possible re‑encounters in Super 4 and Final |
What Happens Next?
- The full match schedule, including venues within the UAE (likely Dubai and Abu Dhabi), will be formally released in the coming weeks
- Exact venues—such as which matches will be in Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi—are still to be confirmed
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