The upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has undergone a major timing revision, with 18 out of 19 matches now beginning at a special time than initially deliberate as a result of scorching temperatures anticipated within the United Arab Emirates. The Asian Cricket Council confirmed this main scheduling change to guard gamers from the tough desert circumstances through the September event.
When desert warmth meets Asia Cup 2025 fever
The revised schedule addresses climate forecasts predicting temperatures hovering into the 40 diploma celsius throughout September within the UAE. Cricket boards throughout taking part nations requested the timing adjustment to guard gamers from heat-related dangers together with fatigue, dehydration, and potential accidents.
Underneath the brand new timing construction, all day-night fixtures throughout the event will now begin at 6:30 PM Gulf Customary Time, which interprets to eight:00 PM Indian Customary Time, representing a 30-minute delay from the initially deliberate 6:00 PM native begin instances. Nonetheless, one notable exception stays within the revised schedule – the UAE versus Oman encounter on September 15, which is able to proceed because the event’s sole day match, starting at 4:00 PM native time or 5:30 PM IST. The timing adjustments prolong to even essentially the most prestigious fixture of the event, with the ultimate on September 28 additionally adopting the brand new 6:30 PM native time slot, making certain consistency throughout all night matches.
The event will span from September 9 to twenty-eight, with Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium internet hosting 11 matches together with the ultimate, whereas Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi will host eight matches. Broadcasters agreed to the timing adjustments after contemplating participant welfare, making certain that matches happen throughout cooler night hours for enhanced taking part in circumstances. Key fixtures underneath the brand new schedule embrace India‘s opener in opposition to UAE on September 10 at 8:00 PM IST, adopted by the marquee India vs Pakistan conflict on September 14 on the identical time, each in Dubai.
Additionally READ: Danish Kaneria predicts the finalists of Asia Cup 2025
India begins to arrange for the 2026 T20I World Cup
This Asia Cup represents greater than only a regional championship—it serves as an important gown rehearsal for the 2026 T20 World Cup. 5 of the eight taking part groups will compete in subsequent 12 months’s World Cup, making this event notably important for India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag emphasised the event’s significance on Sony Sports activities Community, stating that “this Asia Cup can function an awesome preparation for our 2026 T20 World Cup. It’s a possibility to see which new gamers needs to be given possibilities and who might be included within the squad“. India will defend their title underneath the management of Suryakumar Yadav, with Take a look at captain Shubman Gill serving as vice-captain after his profitable return to the T20I setup.
The Indian squad incorporates a mix of skilled gamers and rising expertise, together with top-ranked T20 batters Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, alongside bowling stalwarts Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. The event format options eight groups divided into two teams, with the highest two from every advancing to the Tremendous 4 stage, culminating within the closing showdown on September 28.
Additionally READ: Sri Lanka announce T20I squad for Asia Cup 2025, Wanindu Hasaranga returns
