The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place in September, marking the return of Asia’s premier cricket competition. This edition will see the tournament expand in scale, featuring eight teams in total. With increased participation and a new format, the 2025 edition promises to be a bigger spectacle for fans across the continent.

This season, the Asia Cup will adopt the T20 International format, serving as a crucial preparatory event for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is slated to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will include five full members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) along with three emerging teams that earned qualification through the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2024.

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India was originally awarded the hosting rights for Asia Cup 2025. However, due to escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan, multiple reports suggest that the entire tournament could be relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The decision is expected to be finalised after consultations between the ACC and the participating boards.

Asia Cup 2025 Teams

The Asia Cup 2025 will include five full ACC members; India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Joining them are Oman, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who secured their spots by finishing in the top three of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2024. This brings the total number of participating teams to eight, promising a competitive and diverse tournament lineup.

India
India is the most successful team in Asia Cup history, having clinched the title eight times. They are also the defending champions, having won the 2023 edition of the tournament.

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka stands as the second most successful side in the competition, winning the Asia Cup six times. Their last title came in 2022, where they triumphed over Pakistan in the final.

Pakistan
Pakistan has lifted the Asia Cup trophy twice, with their victories coming in 2000 and 2012. They have also finished as runners-up on several occasions.

Bangladesh
Despite being regular participants, Bangladesh is yet to win the Asia Cup. Their best performances include finishing as runners-up in 2012, 2016, and 2018.

Afghanistan
Afghanistan debuted in the Asia Cup in 2014. Their most notable campaigns include reaching the Super Four stage in both the 2018 and 2022 editions.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong made their Asia Cup debut in 2004 but have not advanced beyond the group stage in any of their appearances so far.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)
UAE first featured in the Asia Cup in 2004 and has participated in three editions. However, they are yet to progress past the group stage.

Oman
Oman will make their Asia Cup debut in the 2025 edition, marking a historic moment for their cricketing journey.