The Asia Cup is set to return in 2025 with significant changes in format and venue.
The tournament, which has been a cornerstone of Asian cricket since its inception in 1984, will feature eight teams competing in the T20 format, marking a shift from the ODI format used in previous editions.
This change aligns with the trend of preparing teams for upcoming ICC T20 World Cups, with the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled for early 2026.
Asia Cup 2025 Format
The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format, marking a shift from the ODI format used in the previous edition.
This change aligns with the trend of preparing teams for upcoming ICC T20 World Cups, with the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled for early 2026.
Asia Cup 2025 Teams and Groups
Eight teams will participate in the tournament, including:
- India
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Oman
- Hong Kong
These teams will be divided into two groups of four each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, where they will compete in a round-robin format. The top two teams from the Super Four will then contest the final for the Asia Cup title.
Asia Cup 2025 Venue
Despite India retaining the hosting rights, the tournament is likely to be held at a neutral venue due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently the frontrunner to host the event, although Sri Lanka is also being considered.
Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place in September 2025, with matches planned during cooler evening temperatures to mitigate potential weather issues.
This tournament serves as crucial preparation for teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The high-intensity matches, particularly the India-Pakistan rivalry, will be a highlight of the event, with fans potentially witnessing up to three encounters between these two cricketing giants.
Future Asia Cup Tournaments
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has mapped out the Asia Cup schedule until 2031, alternating between ODI and T20 formats:
- 2027: ODI format in Bangladesh
- 2029: T20 format at a neutral venue, hosted by PCB
- 2031: ODI format in Sri Lanka
The Asia Cup 2025 promises to be an exciting event, with its T20 format and neutral venue setup ensuring high-intensity cricket and smooth participation from all teams.
