Asia Cup 2025 Preview: India Start as Strong Favourites in Quest for Continental Glory

Asia Cup 2025 Preview: India Start as Defending Champions in T20 Battle for Asian Glory.

The battle for Asian cricket supremacy is set to begin on Tuesday, September 9, as the 17th edition of the Asia Cup kicks off in the UAE. This year, the tournament will be played in the T20 format, keeping in mind the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

Tournament Structure

Eight teams will compete across 20 days, divided into two groups. The top two from each group will advance to the Super 4 stage, followed by the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28.

Group A: India, Pakistan, Oman, UAE

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

The opening clash features Afghanistan vs Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. A blockbuster India vs Pakistan encounter is scheduled for September 14 in Dubai.

India Aim to Defend Title

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter as defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history with eight titles. Sri Lanka (six titles) and Pakistan (two titles) follow. India’s balance across batting, all-round depth, and a world-class bowling unit make them strong favourites once again.

Contenders to Watch

Sri Lanka: Inconsistent in T20Is but banking on their spinners and stroke-players.

Pakistan: A new-look side under Salman Agha, hoping to rebuild after the exits of Babar Azam and Rizwan.

Bangladesh: Riding strong form after series wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Netherlands.

Afghanistan: Semi-finalists at the 2024 T20 World Cup, looking for a breakthrough continental crown.

UAE, Oman & Hong Kong: Qualifier teams aiming to make upsets against bigger nations.

Key Fixtures

September 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi

September 10: India vs UAE, Dubai

September 14: India vs Pakistan, Dubai

September 28: Final, Dubai

Tickets

Tickets are available online at the Asian Cricket Council website and kiosks across the UAE, with both single-match and multi-match passes on sale.