The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced a significant update to the match timings for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, hosted in the United Arab Emirates. Nearly all fixtures have been shifted to new evening slots aimed at enhancing both stadium attendance and TV viewership across South Asia.
Of the tournament’s 19 matches, 18 will now begin at 6:30 p.m. local time in the UAE. This adjustment means fans in Pakistan can expect games to start at 7:30 p.m., a slight delay from the previous 7:00 p.m. schedule, strategically designed to capture a larger prime-time audience. ACC officials note that this timing also makes it more convenient for spectators attending matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the two host cities.
Only One Day Game Scheduled
There is a single exception to the evening schedule: the UAE vs Oman group-stage match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Monday, September 15, will retain its 4:00 p.m. local start. This will be the only daytime fixture of the tournament, offering a contrast to the predominantly evening lineup.
Tournament Details and Key Matchups
The Asia Cup 2025, played in the T20 format, will run from September 9 to September 28, with matches split between Dubai International Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Cricket fans are particularly eyeing the high-profile India vs Pakistan clash on September 14, now scheduled in prime-time, promising to be one of the most-watched games of the tournament. The revised timings could play a role in boosting viewership numbers, as broadcasters aim to capitalize on evening audiences across the subcontinent.
