The wait is over—the Asia Cup 2025 will be hosted in the UAE, as officially confirmed by Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

In a social media post on Saturday, Naqvi revealed that the high-stakes cricket tournament will run from September 9th to 28th, bringing top teams together in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2026.

This year's Asia Cup will follow the T20 format, making it a key warm-up opportunity ahead of the next global showdown. Eight teams—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong—are set to clash in a gripping format that includes group stages, a Super Four round, and an intense final between the top two sides.

I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket! Detailed Schedule will be out soon.

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 26, 2025

The Asia Cup 2025 will be hosted in UAE instead of India, despite the latter initially being awarded hosting rights. The change in venue was prompted by ongoing India-Pakistan political tensions, which made cross-border participation unworkable. Earlier this year, both cricket boards mutually agreed not to play matches in each other’s countries, pushing the ACC to consider a neutral ground.

“The UAE has once again stepped up to provide a world-class stage for Asian cricket,” Naqvi said, expressing excitement for what’s expected to be a thrilling competition. With cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi lined up to host the matches, fans can expect top-tier action supported by stellar infrastructure.

The announcement follows the ACC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Dhaka, which was attended by all 25 member nations. Although the BCCI initially hesitated, it later joined virtually, represented by Vice-President Rajeev Shukla. “We’ve agreed to work together for the betterment of cricket,” Naqvi said, signalling improved regional cooperation.

The Asia Cup 2025 will be hosted in UAE, continuing the country’s proven legacy of hosting major events, including previous Asia Cups, IPL seasons, and global qualifiers. While other venues were explored, the UAE stood out due to its neutrality, strong diplomatic ties, and reliable facilities.