Dubai/Abu Dhabi, August 30, 2025 – The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced revised timings for the upcoming DP World Asia Cup 2025, which will be staged across the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. In a move designed to maximize both player comfort and television viewership, 18 of the 19 scheduled matches will now begin at 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM Gulf Standard Time).

The only exception will be the Group A encounter between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman on Monday, September 15, which is slated to start at 5:30 PM IST (4:00 PM GST) at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This will be the sole day game of the tournament, with the rest staged under lights to avoid sweltering afternoon temperatures.

Why the Schedule Was Changed

The ACC explained that the revised schedule was drawn up in consultation with broadcasters and venue partners. The dual objective was to avoid the excessive desert heat of Dubai and Abu Dhabi while also ensuring primetime television slots across key cricketing nations, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

“Evening matches not only enhance stadium attendance by making conditions more comfortable for fans, but they also deliver peak viewership in South Asia,” the ACC said in a statement.

With the tournament also serving as a crucial build-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the organizers emphasized that every match carries significant importance for the participating teams.

The Groups and Tournament Format

This year’s edition features eight teams, divided into two groups of four:

Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong

Each side will play the other teams in its group once, with the top two advancing to the Super 4 stage. In the Super 4, every qualifier will face the remaining three, and the top two will progress to the final, scheduled for Sunday, September 28, in Dubai. A reserve day has been kept for Monday, September 29, to ensure the title decider can be completed in case of rain or other disruptions.

Key Matches to Watch

The headline fixture of the group stage—India vs Pakistan—will take place on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai at 8:00 PM IST. The game is expected to draw massive stadium crowds and record-breaking television ratings across South Asia and beyond.

Other marquee contests include Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (September 13), India vs Oman (September 19), and the series of high-stakes Super 4 clashes beginning September 20.

Full Revised Schedule (in IST)

9 Sept – Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM
10 Sept – India vs UAE, Dubai – 8:00 PM
12 Sept – Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai – 8:00 PM
14 Sept – India vs Pakistan, Dubai – 8:00 PM
15 Sept – UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 5:30 PM (only day game)
19 Sept – India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 8:00 PM
28 Sept – Final, Dubai – 8:00 PM (Reserve day: Sept 29)

Building Toward Champions Trophy

The Asia Cup will not only crown regional supremacy but also provide a testing ground for strategies, team combinations, and player form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which will follow in 2025.

With evening games, packed stadiums, and India vs Pakistan set in the heart of Dubai, Asia Cup 2025 promises to be a cricketing spectacle like no other.