The stage is officially set for the Asia Cup 2025 after the glittering tournament trophy was revealed in a ceremony held in Dubai on Monday.
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi presided over the event, joined by the captains of all eight competing nations. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha stood alongside his counterparts from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE, and Hong Kong for the customary photographs with the newly unveiled prize.
Symbolic Kick-Off for Asia’s Biggest Cricket Rivalries
The unveiling ceremony wasn’t just about the silverware—it marked the symbolic beginning of one of cricket’s fiercest regional tournaments. Each captain spoke briefly about their team’s ambitions, acknowledging both the prestige of the Asia Cup and its importance as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Tournament Format and Key Fixtures
The 2025 edition will follow the T20 format, with teams split into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, Oman, UAE (hosts)
- Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong
The group stage will decide the top two sides from each pool, who will then progress to the Super Four round starting on September 20. The tournament will wrap up with the highly anticipated final on September 28.
What’s at Stake
Beyond continental bragging rights, the Asia Cup offers a vital testing ground for teams fine-tuning their strategies and lineups ahead of the global T20 showdown later this year. With traditional heavyweights like Pakistan and India set to clash, and rising teams such as Oman and Hong Kong eager to prove themselves, the competition promises a mix of blockbuster encounters and underdog stories.
