Cricket fans eagerly awaiting the schedule for the Asia Cup 2025 may not have to wait much longer, as reports suggest the tournament is likely to kick off on September 5.
According to a report published on Wednesday, a high-stakes clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for September 7 in Dubai.
In addition to their group-stage showdown, the two sides are also expected to face off again on September 14 in a Super Four encounter, as per the tentative schedule.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly close to finalizing a 17-day window for the tournament and is expected to announce the full schedule in the first week of July.
This development signals progress amid previous uncertainty due to India-Pakistan tensions.
Asia Cup 2025 is likely to follow a hybrid hosting model, similar to the format used in the 2023 edition.
The UAE continues to remain the frontrunner to host the tournament, although there is also some discussion around staging it in a hybrid format, the report said.
While India is the designated host this time, the ACC had earlier decided that when it is India or Pakistan’s turn to host the Asia Cup, the tournament would be held in a neutral venue — for understandable reasons, it added.
In 2023, Pakistan was the official host, but due to political tensions, India opted to play all of its matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting arrangement.
Therefore, the tournament is expected to be held entirely in the UAE or follow a hybrid model once again, with six teams confirmed to participate being Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the UAE.
As per the Times of India, the final of the tournament will take place on September 21.