Asia Cup 2025 Matches to Begin at Revised Timings Due to Extreme Heat

Asia Cup 2025 Matches to Begin at Revised Timings Due to Extreme Heat

In a bid to counter the extreme heat conditions in the UAE, the start time for 18 out of the 19 matches in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has been revised. The revised schedule, announced by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), will see matches beginning at 6:30pm local time (8:00pm IST), instead of the originally scheduled 6:00pm local time.

Revised Timings for a Safer Tournament

The Asia Cup 2025, which will be held in the T20 format this year, is set to take place from September 9 to 28, with matches spread across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The change in match timings is primarily due to concerns over the high temperatures in the region, which can sometimes make evening games challenging for players and fans alike.

The official statement from the ECB confirmed that 18 matches would begin at 6:30pm local time (Gulf Standard Time), including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash on September 14 in Dubai.

However, there will be an exception: the match between UAE and Oman on September 15 will be the only day game of the tournament, starting at 4:00pm local time at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Tournament Schedule Adjustments

Originally, the matches were set to start at 6:00pm local time, but the updated timings are seen as necessary to ensure players’ well-being and avoid the intense midday heat typical in the UAE during this time of the year.

India-Pakistan Rivalry in Focus

One of the most eagerly anticipated games will be the India vs Pakistan encounter on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While bilateral cricketing relations between the two nations remain paused, multi-nation tournaments like the Asia Cup continue to see these cricketing giants face off on neutral grounds.

India’s campaign will begin on September 10, with their match against the UAE in Dubai. They will also face Oman in their final group stage match on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Group A and Group B Breakdown

The teams are divided into two groups for the Asia Cup 2025:

  • Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman

  • Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong

With the tournament now fast approaching, cricket fans across the world are eagerly awaiting the action to unfold, especially in the heat of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.