The Asia Cup 2025 is knocking on the door, where India will play to defend their title. Along with India, Pakistan cricket will be there to prove themselves. For this edition of the Asia Cup, a total of 8 teams will be in the race for the glory. Out of nowhere, the head coach of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a warning for both India and Pakistan, the two Asian cricket giants.

UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput does not want to treat them as the underdog of the tournament. They are preparing for the tournament after registering notable wins over test-playing nations Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The coach warned the big teams of the tournament by saying that they are heading towards the contest to fight for every inch of the field. 

"The crucial phase is beginning for the UAE team. Beating test-playing countries, especially Bangladesh, gave us a lot of confidence. It’s not about overconfidence; it’s about believing we can compete and win against anyone. You never know; anything can happen. We can upset any team," Rajput said during a recent interview. 

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Aim for bigger upsets!

Rajput tries to put focus on the mindset and the fitness of his boys. He emphasized fitness, skill, and fielding to perform at the highest order against the strong opponents. By keeping their momentum in a rhythm, the UAE cricket team is hoping to pull out upsets in the Asia Cup 2025. 

"We are focusing on skills, fitness, and fielding. Playing against better teams requires players to be mentally strong and physically fit. Fitness is very important. Players’ improvement and form are essential. They cannot remain stagnant. We want to keep building on the momentum. If you can beat a team like Bangladesh, why not aim for bigger upsets? Our players are excited and ready to take that challenge," he added.

All in all, cricket lovers are sitting on treats for tons of T20 action as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE will vie in a tri-nation T20I series at Sharjah from 29 August to 7 September 2025. The series is a crucial precursor to the Asia Cup T20 2025 and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Why This Series Matters

This tri-series would be perfect for teams to test their combinations, adapt to conditions in the UAE, and build some momentum with the Asia Cup barely days away and ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board first scheduled a bilateral series between Afghanistan and Pakistan, but plans evolved into a tri-series with the UAE joining as hosts so that all three teams get meaningful exposure before the two big tournaments.

Full Schedule – T20I Tri-Series 2025

• All matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Context & Build-Up

• Pakistan is currently involved in a T20I series against the West Indies and will be eager to bounce back after a recent 2-1 series defeat to Bangladesh.
  
• Afghanistan return to T20I cricket for the first time since December 2024, when they edged past Zimbabwe in a tight 2-1 series.
  
• UAE, meanwhile, comes into the tournament high on confidence after upsetting Bangladesh in a historic home series win in May.
  

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T20I Head-to-Head – Pakistan vs Afghanistan at Sharjah

The opening game between Pakistan and Afghanistan promises fireworks, as the two teams have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years.

Eyes on the Asia Cup

The ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will begin on 9 September, just two days after the tri-series final, making this series crucial for selection decisions and tactical preparation.

Asia Cup 2025 – Group Stage Draw

Key matches:

• 9 Sept: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong (Opening game)
  
• 12 Sept: Pakistan vs Oman
  
• 14 Sept: Pakistan vs India – Blockbuster clash
  

With three hungry teams, a balanced format, and familiar conditions, the tri-series in Sharjah is more than just a warm-up, it’s a dress rehearsal for continental and global glory. Expect high-octane cricket, emerging stars, and critical answers for selectors as the road to the T20 World Cup heats up.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) released the schedule for the 2025 edition of the tournament, ending weeks of uncertainty over the continental competition's fate. The marquee event, set to be played as T20Is, precedes the World Cup of the same format, slated to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka during the first quarter of 2026. Originally planned to be organised in India, the Asia Cup 2025 shall now be played in the Gulf region of the UAE, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Eight teams have been split into two groups of four, with arch-rivals India and Pakistan, notably, in the same pool. After the group fixtures, the international tournament will enter its 'Super-4s' stage, where the top two seeded teams from each pool contest against each other for a spot in the final, making it a quadrangular series. The competition commencing from Tuesday, 9th September, will witness its first round of an India-Pakistan clash on Sunday, 14th September. The neighbours are favourable to lock horns again, in the next round, on 21st September. The other teams contesting for the pinnacle of Asian Cricket are Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong.

The lead-up to these announcements has been marred by immense controversies and geopolitical tensions. With the military stand-off between India and Pakistan occurring not too long ago, and the subsequent 'Operation Sindoor' by our Armed Forces, it was almost certain that the cricketing ties between the two nations might halt on an indefinite basis. They, anyway, have not played bilaterally on each other's soil since 2012, and the war against terrorism meant a sure stoppage of any match between them, even at a neutral venue in a multilateral competition. Secondly, the ever-growing scuffle at the eastern border between India and Bangladesh added an extra edge towards the cancellation of the tournament. This was evident when Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the ACC, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and their interior minister, scheduled an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dhaka for the upcoming tournament against the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) wishes. The Indian cricketing officials were unwilling to travel there due to the strained political ties at the eastern front. They, however, attended it virtually, with the BCCI Vice President, Rajiv Shukla, logging in. It is worth knowing that the BCCI still holds the hosting rights for this year's competition.  

See Also: Can government cancel India vs Pakistan clash at Asia Cup?

Rest assured, after a stand-off and several deliberations, the Asia Cup 2025 is on course to be staged. Following that ceasefire in May, and as time passed, the previously agreed-upon understanding of India-Pakistan contests in multi-national tournaments was back on the table. Pakistan will be playing their matches of the upcoming women's World Cup to be hosted by India in Colombo. For the Asian Championship, the competition, in its current form, has been given the clearance by the BJP-led government and is confirmed to go ahead in the UAE. To remain commercially attractive, retaining its structure for a potential India-Pakistan game, on three occasions, including the final, is an absolute imperative. The revenue generated from the men's tournament might be insignificant for the well-off BCCI, but it matters quite a lot to all the other ACC member boards. Despite its relocation, the Indian board will retain gate receipts as the designated hosts.

The decision to proceed with the biennial event reflects cricket's commercial realities. Media rights for four Asia Cup editions (2024-31) are valued at approximately $170 million, mainly from the Indian market. A withdrawal from the 'Men in Blue' would have severely impacted the PCB and other Asian nations financially, as the fixtures between the neighbours drive the tournament's economic appeal. Given cricket's enormous financial stakes, both the Indian and Pakistani boards now view playing each other in neutral venues as the middle ground and the most pragmatic solution in the current scenario, since they have refused to travel to each other's countries, at least until 2027-28. 

The Asia Cups: Pakistan Cricket's need for survival -

India's boycott of Pakistan’s cricket team would sum up to a complete nightmare for broadcasters as a match between the two South Asian countries brings in phenomenal viewership due to the fierce historic rivalry between them. Data from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) estimates that the matches between them have generated a whopping $1.3 billion in the last 20 years, which is significantly higher than matches between other teams. Eliminating India-Pakistan games will impact the International Cricket Council's (ICC) and ACC's revenue, specifically considering the broadcasters' demand for both teams to be grouped in global and Asian events. Moreover, the boycott would also significantly slump PCB's economy, which is heavily dependent on the ICC and ACC funding. They expect to earn approximately $31 million this year, as revenue share, from the two cricket bodies. This underlines the fact that the money from these two major sources is extremely integral for the financial health of Pakistan Cricket. PCB claims that their total revenue for the 2023-24 fiscal year reached $35.3 million, a 40 percent increase from the previous year, and thus ranking them among the top three cricket boards in the world. 

ACC's 'Cricket First' mantra reaffirms its commitment to using cricket as a platform for spreading peace in the region. It says, "When crowds gather to witness the tournament's unforgettable clashes, it will be a great reminder of cricket's power to build bridges". On that note, the Asia Cup 2025, amid all its intricacies and uncertainties, promises to deliver quality cricket content among the avid supporters of the game.

Final arrangements are being made for a tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with an official announcement expected as soon as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka concludes. The series will be marketed as a preparatory event for the next edition of the Asia Cup in 2025, so the teams have the chance to prepare for when they return to the Gulf region.

Originally, Afghanistan had planned to tour Pakistan in August for a bilateral T20I series, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed to transition it into a tri-nation T20I series in the UAE. This proposal seemed to be well received by the respective boards, particularly noting the advantages of playing in the UAE in preparation for a major continental event, given the geographical and climatic surroundings.

Sources have suggested that the final arrangements for this series are at the end stages and are being worked on at the ACC's Annual General Meeting (AGM) currently in Bangladesh, and assuming the sessions are completed, they will formally announce the full schedule and locations.

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ACC Meeting With Full Support: UAE Tri-Series Probably in August

The ACC AGM demonstrated strong participation with 24 of 25 member nations confirming they would be present, well above the required 13 member nations in order for the Nomination to be taken as a vote. This will be seen as a diplomatic victory for the ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, particularly after the major boards like the BCCI, Sri Lanka Cricket, and Oman Cricket indicated they were hesitant about the venue choice. India, although they weren't comfortable, agreed, and virtual representation through BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla shows a willingness for the discussion in a much more conciliatory manner.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan Cricket Board spokesman Sayed Naseem Sadat earlier confirmed that the team is set to play a T20 and ODI series this year against Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and the UAE. He noted that the team had initially planned to play three T20Is against Pakistan in August fixtures that could now become part of the UAE-hosted tri-series. The tournament, if confirmed, is expected to generate solid fan interest and provide valuable match practice ahead of a crucial Asia Cup campaign.

While Afghanistan have a more than a year-long plan to host the T20I series against Bangladesh, it is likely to sort out soon, as the hosting nation of the series has reportedly been sorted out.

UAE will host Afghanistan vs Bangladesh T20I series in October: Report

According to the recent ESPNcricinfo report, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to host the three-match T20I series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh this October. The series dates are yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to be played after the Asia Cup 2025, which is likely to be played in September.

Bangladesh will host the West Indies for a three-match ODI and another three-match T20I series, starting on October 15. Meanwhile, Afghanistan have a full tour schedule of Zimbabwe, potentially starting at the end of October. So, the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh T20I series is likely to be played before their respective planned schedules. 

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Afghanistan vs Bangladesh full series was originally planned for July 2024

Originally, Afghanistan had planned to host a two-match Test series, a three-match ODI series, and a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh back in July 2024. While the Indian city Greater Noida was Afghanistan's hosting venue, those series were postponed due to weather conditions and a packed international cricket schedule for Bangladesh. Later, Sharjah hosted the three-match ODI series in November 2024, where Afghanistan won by 2-1.

Now, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are close to finalising their T20I series, and the UAE is likely to host it as the hosting nation for Afghanistan. Both teams want this T20I series, as they feel that it will be a strong preparation for them before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host in February-March 2026.

It will be their first T20I meeting after their meeting in the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where Afghanistan won by eight runs (DLS method) to qualify for the Semi-finals of the tournament. However, before this T20I series, there is a strong chance that they will face each other in the Asia Cup 2025.  

On the other hand, their two-match Test series is yet to be scheduled. According to the ESPNcricinfo report, this Test series is likely to be scheduled for next year. 

As the Asia Cup 2025 draws near, the cricketing world holds its breath, awaiting confirmation of Indian participation. The tournament, after all, is set to commence on September 5, with the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan encounter planned for September 7. however, Political tensions have loomed large over the tournament—especially following the recent terror attack at Pahalgam.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already made an approach to the Government of India for clearance and awaits official approval before finalizing the schedule. under the current sensitive geopolitical environment, particularly the tense India-Pakistan relationship, the BCCI is going slow, keeping all options open regarding participation and venue arrangements.

In a major development, it has now emerged that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may step in as an alternative host for the Asia Cup if the situation doesn’t improve. According to a Sports Tak report, this contingency plan had already been prepared even before the Pahalgam incident, showcasing BCCI’s foresight and proactive approach.

UAE Likely to Host if Political Tensions Persist

“The UAE option was always there on the table before the Pahalgam attack. But now the situation has changed, and we will proceed according to whatever decision the government makes,” said a senior BCCI official to Sports Tak. This clearly indicates that India’s participation hinges entirely on political approval, and the governing body is prepared for all scenarios.

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In case the Asia Cup is relocated to the UAE, games would be played at three major venues—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The three have extensive experience in hosting big tournaments such as earlier Asia Cups and IPL games and are well-suited for hosting a high-profile continental tournament like the Asia Cup 2025.

According to early reports, the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match is set for September 7, and the Asia Cup 2025 is anticipated to begin on September 5. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the competition, and September 21 is most likely when the final takes place. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has nearly finalised a 17-day tournament window, and all six participating countries, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates, are getting ready to send their teams.

Despite earlier doubts due to political tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the tournament is set to go ahead. Government clearances from all involved countries are reportedly in the final stages. Hosting rights remain with India, but the tournament will be played in the UAE due to neutral venue considerations.

Asia Cup 2025 to Begin in UAE, India vs Pakistan on September 7

The Asia Cup 2025 will follow the T20I format, keeping in line with the calendar ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The tournament will follow a group stage and Super Fours format, guaranteeing at least one India vs Pakistan clash and potentially another if both qualify for the Super Four round. The second meeting could happen on September 14.

THE LIKELY SCHEDULE OF ASIA CUP 2025: 📢 (Sports Tak).

Starts - 4 or 5th September.
Final - 21st September.
Venue - In UAE.
India Vs Pakistan - 7th September. pic.twitter.com/t2chgzF63n

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 2, 2025

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In recent days, promotional campaigns have begun, with official broadcaster Sony Sports Network releasing the first teaser posters. A late-night selection meeting involving Shubman Gill, Ajit Agarkar, and Gautam Gambhir was also spotted at the ground, possibly finalising early plans for the Indian squad.

This edition of the Asia Cup is critical not just for cricketing reasons but also for the reassurance it provides stakeholders after months of uncertainty. With major events like the Women’s ODI World Cup also scheduled for later this year, the Asia Cup will set the tone for a busy international calendar.

For cricket fans, especially in India and Pakistan, the resumption of this iconic rivalry on September 7 promises to be one of the year’s biggest sporting spectacles.

There appears to be a breakthrough in the long-running Asia Cup imbroglio. Though it might still be a tad premature to make full conclusions regarding the future of the tournament, there is increasing optimism around the continental showpiece. This is a significant departure from the cloud of uncertainty that had loomed large over the event as a result of the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.

Although nothing official has been finalized, strong indications suggest that a formal decision could be reached as early as next week. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly planning to release the full schedule for the six-team competition in the first week of July, coinciding with a scheduled meeting. If all goes as planned, the tournament is likely to start during the second week of September.

The Asia Cup, to be played in the T20 format this season, is expected to start on September 10. Besides India and Pakistan, who are conventional powerhouses, other countries participating are Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. In fact, promotional activities have already begun in anticipation of the event’s successful organization.

Venue and Political Tensions at the Forefront

The UAE remains the frontrunner to host the tournament, though discussions are ongoing regarding a potential hybrid format. While India is the official host this time, the ACC had previously resolved that when it's India's or Pakistan's turn, the event would be held at a neutral venue to avoid political complications. The April terror attack in Pahalgam and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor in May had sown considerable doubt over the Asia Cup amid calls in India to boycott Pakistan in multilateral cricket.

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While there have been political shenanigans, recent developments suggest that a softening of positions is possible. The ICC recently announced fixtures for two global events—the Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka and the Women’s T20 World Cup in England—where India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash. These marquee matchups remain crucial revenue sources for global cricket. While India and the BCCI are financially secure without them, entities like the ICC and ACC heavily depend on such high-profile games.

With the 2025 Asia Cup hanging in limbo due to mounting political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated talks to organize a tri-nation T20I series in August involving Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If the Asia Cup is cancelled or moved from India, the PCB is taking this proactive measure to guarantee competitive cricket for the national team.

The 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in September in the T20 format, was initially awarded to India as the host nation. However, following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir and the subsequent diplomatic fallout between the two nations, the tournament’s fate has grown increasingly uncertain. Pakistan, adhering to the hybrid model it had accepted earlier this year, had made it clear that it would not travel to India, just as India had refused to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.

The PCB is reportedly looking into other options in the midst of this uncertainty; according to sources, a tri-series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE is being considered. Afghanistan's initially planned bilateral tour of Pakistan is expected to be replaced by a series in August, which will take place in Dubai. “The idea is that if the Asia Cup is moved to the UAE, then Pakistan will play a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE in Dubai,” a source within the PCB told PTI.

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Tri-Series in UAE Gains Traction as Asia Cup 2025 Remains in Doubt

Furthermore, discussions have already been initiated between the cricket boards of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE, with the UAE emerging as the most feasible venue due to favorable weather and logistical conditions. Hosting the series in the Gulf nation would also serve as a dress rehearsal should the Asia Cup be relocated there.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is expected to convene a council meeting soon to determine the Asia Cup’s future. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, has yet to confirm whether it will host the tournament on home soil or agree to the alternate venue.

Meanwhile, separate talks are also underway between the PCB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board to finalize a three-match T20I series in July, potentially giving Pakistan back-to-back international assignments ahead of the West Indies tour. If confirmed, the tri-nation tournament could play a vital role in Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, while also offering valuable exposure to the participating teams in high-pressure conditions.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) claimed their second straight T20I win against Bangladesh to secure their stunning home T20I series win against Bangladesh, which was their first international series win against the ICC Full Member Bangladesh. 

At the 1-1 series level, the UAE captain chose to field first in Sharjah after winning the toss in the series-decider third and final match of the series. After a horrible start, Bangladesh scored 162/9 in 20 overs, which wasn't enough for the visitors. The hosts chased down the target in 19.1 overs after losing only three wickets to seal the home T20I series by 2-1.

UAE vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I: Bangladesh batting faced collapse, and Haider Ali dominated with the ball

From the second over of the match, Bangladesh lost their wickets at regular intervals. While the visitors scored 49/4 at the end of the powerplay, they were struggling at 84/8 and 128/9. The hosts' bowlers were mostly in control, apart from conceding 26 runs in the final over of the innings, including two no balls by the UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem, who delivered two beamers in that over that resulted in a forced change of the bowler for the final delivery of the over. Alishan Sharafu delivered the final ball of the innings and conceded three runs on the free-hit delivery. 

Left-arm spinner Haider Ali was exceptional with the bowling figures of 4-1-7-3 as Bangladesh's batting experienced a horrible collapse. Opener Parvez Hossain Emon, who scored a century in the series opener, scored a golden duck in the series decider. While his opening partner Tanzid Hasan scored 40 off 18 balls (four fours and four sixes), Jaker Ali fought hard with his 41 off 34 balls (one four and three sixes) despite struggling on the field. During the innings, Ali had a concussion test after he made a successful desperate attempt to save his wicket, which he passed. 

In the final moment of the innings, Hasan Mahmud (26 not out off 15 balls; three sixes) and Shoriful Islam (16 not out off seven balls; one four and one six) added some important runs. 

Apart from Haider Ali, Matiullah Khan (2/41) and Saghir Khan (2/36) were the other UAE bowlers to record more than one wicket in the first innings of the match.

See Also: Trauma Forces Nahid Rana Out of Bangladesh vs Pakistan Series, BCB Confirms

UAE vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I: Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan strongly controlled the chasing

In reply, the UAE skipper and opener Muhammad Waseem lost his wicket early for nine runs. However, another opener Muhammad Zohaib and the series-finale hero Alishan Sharafu had a 44-run partnership for the second wicket to provide a crucial start for the hosts. Although Zohaib was dismissed for 29 runs, and Rahul Chopra (13) followed him quickly, Sharafu got solid support from Asif Khan, as their 87-run partnership for the unbroken fourth wicket secured a comfortable victory for the UAE. While Sharafu scored 68 not out off 47 balls (five fours and three sixes), Asif scored 41 not out off 26 balls, including five sixes. 

While Bangladesh started this series, which was originally a two-match T20I series before adding one more game just before the second T20I of the series, with a 27-run win, the hosts UAE leveled the series by winning the second game by two wickets with one ball to spare. It was also the UAE's first international victory against Bangladesh, and they completed a historic T20I series win on Wednesday night (May 21) by claiming a seven-wicket victory. The UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem won the Player of the Series award after finishing as the leading run-scorer in the series with 145 runs in three innings. 

It was the second time that the UAE won an international cricket series against a Test-playing nation (ICC Full Member). In October 2021, the UAE secured a 2-1 home T20I series win against Ireland.