More India-Pakistan games on the horizon as Asia Cup gets September window

Asia Cup 2025 Scheduled for September in Neutral Country

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has tentatively scheduled the Asia Cup for September, with the tournament set to be played in the T20 format. The continental tournament will feature 19 games and is expected to run between the second and fourth week of September.

Neutral Venue to Host India-Pakistan Clash

Given the India-Pakistan dynamics, the ACC has decided that the tournament will be conducted in a neutral country. The venue has not been finalized, but ACC officials are believed to be considering Sri Lanka and the UAE.

Format and Teams

The tournament will feature eight teams: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, Hong Kong, India, and Pakistan. The teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each cluster progressing to the Super Four stage.

Potential Clashes between India and Pakistan

The format ensures a clash between India and Pakistan at the group stage, then in the Super Four round, and possibly in the final too – making it three potential clashes between the traditional rivals.

Asia Cup Schedule

There are four Asia Cups in the current cycle ending in 2031. The schedule is as follows:

• 2025 edition (19 games): September, neutral country
• 2027 edition (13 games): Bangladesh, ODI format
• 2029 edition (19 games): Pakistan, T20 format, neutral country
• 2031 edition (13 games): Sri Lanka, ODI format