Asia Cup 2025 venue announced: India vs Pakistan match set to take place in Dubai

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially unveiled the venues and schedule for the much-awaited Men’s Asia Cup 2025. This edition of the tournament promises high-octane action as it returns to the UAE, with matches set to be played across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The opening clash will take place in Abu Dhabi, where Afghanistan will take on Hong Kong to set the tournament in motion. One of the most highly anticipated encounters of the tournament — the group-stage showdown between traditional rivals India and Pakistan — is set for September 14 at the iconic Dubai International Stadium.

Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan venue locked in

This marquee India vs Pakistan fixture is expected to draw massive viewership and a packed stadium, as always when these two cricketing giants face off. Throughout the tournament, fans can expect intense cricketing battles among Asia’s top teams. Dubai will also host the grand finale on September 28, marking the culmination of what promises to be a fiercely competitive and entertaining event. With top-tier talent from across the continent participating, the 2025 Asia Cup is set to deliver memorable moments and potentially set the stage for emerging stars ahead of other major international tournaments.

Despite growing outrage in some sections following India’s decision to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup clash against Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has proceeded with finalizing venues for the tournament. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which left the nation reeling. India’s subsequent counter-response through Operation Sindoor has only intensified public sentiment and stirred widespread debate over the appropriateness of sporting ties with Pakistan at this juncture.

Critics argue that engaging in a high-profile India vs Pakistan cricket match sends the wrong message at a time when the country is mourning and seeking justice. Several political leaders, commentators, and citizens have questioned the ACC’s decision to continue with the India-Pakistan fixture as planned, calling it insensitive and tone-deaf to national sentiment. However, the ACC maintains that the Asia Cup is a sporting event meant to promote regional unity through cricket, and that its role is to ensure the tournament proceeds smoothly, regardless of political tensions. As the September 14 match in Dubai approaches, public debate remains intense, with emotions running high on both sides of the argument. The IND vs PAK fixture is likely to be among the most scrutinized matches in recent memory.

🚨 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🚨#ACCMensAsiaCup2025 confirmed to be hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! 🏟️

The continent’s premier championship kicks off on 9th September 🏏

Read More: https://t.co/OhKXWJ3XYD#ACC pic.twitter.com/TmUdYt0EGF

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) August 2, 2025

The upcoming Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format and is strategically scheduled to help teams gear up for the ICC T20 World Cup next year, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament promises high-octane action, particularly with the possibility of India and Pakistan facing each other as many as three times during the competition. If both teams make it to the Super Fours, they will clash again after their group-stage encounter, and a third blockbuster showdown could occur in the final.

Set to take place from September 9 to 28, the Asia Cup will unfold across venues in the UAE, with the upcoming matches set to be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. India will kick off their campaign on September 10 against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium. The group stage promises competitive cricket, with Group A comprising India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

Asia Cup 2025 schedule