ACC Revises Asia Cup 2025 Match Timings To Tackle UAE Heat

DUBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has revised the match timings for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, citing extreme heat and possible weather disruptions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the reasons for the adjustment.

In a statement, the ACC confirmed that 18 out of 19 matches will now begin at 6:30pm local time (7:30pm Pakistan time, 8pm IST).

This marks a 30-minute shift from the earlier 6:00pm start. The only day fixture, UAE versus Oman on 15 September in Abu Dhabi, will start at 4:00pm local time (5:30pm IST).

The decision was taken in consultation with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), following forecasts that temperatures could soar above 40°C throughout September.

Organisers noted that the adjustment would also help spectators attend multiple fixtures on the same day more comfortably.

September 15, for instance, will feature a double-header, with UAE facing Oman in the afternoon and Sri Lanka taking on Hong Kong in Dubai later that evening.

The 15th edition of the men’s Asia Cup will be played in the T20I format and will feature eight teams divided into two groups.

Group A includes Pakistan, India, UAE and Oman, while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

The tournament begins on 9 September with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The marquee clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for 14 September in Dubai.

The Asia Cup will run until 28 September, with the final scheduled in Dubai. The competition also serves as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.