Asia Cup 2025: UAE Hosts with Updated Schedule

Asia Cup 2025 in UAE: Changed Start Times and Updated Schedule

As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, excitement among cricket fans in the region has gained new momentum, especially in the United Arab Emirates where all matches of the tournament will be held from September 9 to 28. The latest announcement from the Emirates Cricket Board states that 18 out of 19 matches have been given new start times—all beginning at 6:30 PM local time (Gulf Standard Time). This decision caters to the comfort of viewers, as the matches are scheduled in the pleasant evening time slot, after the peak heat.

The matches will take place at two world-class venues: Dubai will host 11 matches, while Abu Dhabi will hold eight games at the famous Zayed Cricket Stadium. There will be only one day match during the tournament, on September 15 in Abu Dhabi, where the United Arab Emirates team will face Oman starting at 4:00 PM—this will be the only exception to the uniform evening starts.

The prestige of the sports event is further amplified with the global spotlight on the India-Pakistan match, which will take place on September 14 in Dubai. Such encounters can expect particularly high viewership, so it is not surprising that the organizers strive to communicate all details timely and accurately to the audience.

On Saturday, the Emirates Cricket Board released the full, updated schedule, which is as follows:

Updated Asia Cup 2025 schedule in the United Arab Emirates:

September 9, Tuesday – Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 18:30

September 10, Wednesday – India vs United Arab Emirates, Dubai – 18:30

September 11, Thursday – Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 18:30

September 12, Friday – Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai – 18:30

September 13, Saturday – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi – 18:30

September 14, Sunday – India vs Pakistan, Dubai – 18:30

September 15, Monday – UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 16:00

September 15, Monday – Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Dubai – 18:30

September 16, Tuesday – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 18:30

September 17, Wednesday – Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai – 18:30

September 18, Thursday – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 18:30

September 19, Friday – India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 18:30

September 20, Saturday – B1 vs B2, Dubai – 18:30

September 21, Sunday – A1 vs A2, Dubai – 18:30

September 22, Monday – Rest Day

September 23, Tuesday – A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi – 18:30

September 24, Wednesday – A1 vs B2, Dubai – 18:30

September 25, Thursday – A2 vs B2, Dubai – 18:30

September 26, Friday – A1 vs B1, Dubai – 18:30

September 27, Saturday – Rest Day

September 28, Sunday – Final, Dubai – 18:30

September 29, Monday – Reserve Day

The standard and organization of the competition is due to both the UAE's sports infrastructure and the increasing regional interest in cricket. The stadiums in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are perfect venues for hosting such a large-scale tournament, not only for their capacity but also for their technical equipment.

Ticket sales have already started, and tickets can be purchased on the Platinum List online platform. Entry tickets for Abu Dhabi matches start at 40 dirhams, while tickets for Dubai's games begin at 50 dirhams. Higher prices are, of course, expected for the final, but interest in all matches is high, so it's advisable to secure your seats in time.

Considering the warm September weather, the evening start times are especially favorable, allowing fans to attend the matches after work, even with their families. This approach further enhances the communal experience of cricket, especially in a country like the UAE where sports events also serve as social gatherings.

The matches will not only be available on site but are expected to be broadcast worldwide on various sports channels and streaming platforms. This way, international fans can also take part in the events of the tournament, especially due to the significant global interest in the India-Pakistan showdown.

An added intrigue to the tournament is that the domestic team, the United Arab Emirates, will also play in multiple matches, including confrontations against Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Oman. The support of the home crowd can give a significant boost to the UAE team, which is becoming increasingly competitive year by year in the Asian field.

The event holds substantial impact not only from a sports perspective but also in terms of tourism, hospitality, and the service industry. The hotel and hospitality sector prepare for increased demand during this period, and many restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer special packages for fans who may come from abroad for the event.

Overall, the Asia Cup 2025 is an excellent example of how the UAE is becoming an increasingly pivotal player in organizing international sports events. The high standard of organization, precisely timed schedule, and passion for the sport all contribute to making the tournament worthy of being the pinnacle meeting of Asian cricket.

(Source of the article: Emirates Cricket Board statement.)