Tag: Asia Cup 2025

The Indian cricket team is expected to play the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025 without a lead sponsor following Dream 11’s withdrawal from the contract last month.

The recent development comes after Dream 11— India team sponsor terminated its contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on August 25.

This decision came after the Indian government passed a bill to ban real-money gaming—its primary line of business.

Dream 11 formally notified the BCCI of its exit soon after the legislation was passed. Notably, Dream 11’s contract was set to last until next year and was worth USD 44 million.

Meanwhile, on September 2, the Indian cricket board commenced the process of finding a new India team sponsor by releasing an invitation for expression of interest.

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With the Asia Cup starting on September 9, it is highly unlikely that the team will get a new sponsor as per the dates of expression of interest, which are September 12—final date for expression, and September 16— a date for final bid.

For the unversed, BCCI has faced similar challenges in the past with its lead sponsors ending contracts before their timelines.

The Indian team is placed in Group A with Oman, Pakistan, and the UAE in the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue are set to leave for the UAE on September 4.

They will kick off their campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on September 10 before squaring off against arch-rivals Pakistan four days later in the event’s blockbuster clash.

India Asia Cup 2025 Squad:

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

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The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced changes to the playing hours for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, adjusting the schedule in response to weather concerns and to accommodate fans better.

According to the revised match timings, all Asia Cup 2025 games, with one exception, will begin at 6:30 PM local time in the UAE (7:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time), instead of the previously planned start time of 6:00 PM.

The only exception is the match on September 15 between the UAE and Oman in Abu Dhabi, which will commence at 4:30 PM local time.

The second match on that same day, featuring Sri Lanka versus Hong Kong in Dubai, will start at 6:30 PM.

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The ACC explained that the rescheduling is aimed at ensuring more favourable playing conditions and improving the match-day experience for spectators, particularly on days featuring back-to-back games.

This year’s Asia Cup, the 15th edition of the men’s event, will be staged in the T20 format with eight participating nations: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE, and Hong Kong.

Pakistan and India headline Group A alongside hosts UAE and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

The tournament will kick off on September 9 with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Schedule, match timings of ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025

• Tuesday, 9 September – Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm
• Wednesday, 10 September – India vs United Arab Emirates, Dubai – 6:30pm
• Thursday, 11 September – Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm
• Friday, 12 September – Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai – 6:30pm
• Saturday, 13 September – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm
• Sunday, 14 September – India vs Pakistan, Dubai – 6:30pm
• Monday, 15 September – UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 4:00pm
• Monday, 15 September – Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Dubai – 6:30pm
• Tuesday, 16 September – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm
• Wednesday, 17 September – Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai – 6:30pm
• Thursday, 18 September – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm
• Friday, 19 September – India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm

Super Four Stage:

• Saturday, 20 September – B1 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30pm
• Sunday, 21 September – A1 vs A2, Dubai – 6:30pm
• Tuesday, 23 September – A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm
• Wednesday, 24 September – A1 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30pm
• Thursday, 25 September – A2 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30pm
• Friday, 26 September – A1 vs B1, Dubai – 6:30pm

Sunday, 28 September – Final, Dubai – 6:30pm

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The ticket sales for the highly anticipated ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 matches have begun, as announced by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

The ECB announced ticket prices for the 15th edition of the tournament in a statement. Tickets for the match in Abu Dhabi are priced at AED 40, while tickets for the matches in Dubai will cost fans AED 50.

“Tickets for the most sought-after India vs Pakistan match will initially be available in a seven-match ticket package starting at AED1,400,” the ECB statement said.

The tickets for the blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan can be availed in a seven-match ticket package.

The seven-match Asia Cup 2025 tickets package will also allow fans to attend India v UAE, B1 v B2, A1 v A2, A1 v B1, A1 v B2, and the final.

For the remaining Asia Cup 2025 games, not included in the seven-match ticket package, fans will need to purchase separate tickets.

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Additionally, the physical sale of tickets at the two venues is scheduled to commence in the coming days, with details to be announced in due course.

For the unversed, the Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place across two venues, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Abu Dhabi will stage eight matches, including one Super Four clash on September 23, while Dubai will host the majority of the games, including both high-voltage Pakistan-India clashes if the two sides progress beyond the group stage.

All matches will begin at 6 PM Gulf Standard Time, barring the September 15 fixture between the UAE and Oman.

The curtain raiser of the Asia Cup 2025 will be played between Hong Kong and Afghanistan.

ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule

Group Stage:

• Sep 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
• Sep 10: India vs UAE
• Sep 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
• Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman
• Sep 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Sep 14: India vs Pakistan
• Sep 15: UAE vs Oman
• Sep 15: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
• Sep 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
• Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE
• Sep 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
• Sep 19: India vs Oman

Super Four Stage:

• Sep 20: B1 vs B2
• Sep 21: A1 vs A2
• Sep 23: A2 vs B1
• Sep 24: A1 vs B2
• Sep 25: A2 vs B2
• Sep 26: A1 vs B1

Final: Sep 28

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COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have unveiled a 16-member squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, slated to commence on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Charith Asalanka will lead the defending champions’ squad, which features both young and experienced players.

Among the key inclusions in the Sri Lanka squad is all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The 28-year-old was not included in the squad for the Zimbabwe series due to injury concerns, which was announced earlier in the day.

The ace player will replace all-rounder Dushan Hemantha, while uncapped batter Vishen Halambage has been left out in the only change from the Zimbabwe squad.

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Sri Lanka will play a three-match T20I series and two ODIs against Zimbabwe in Harare, which concludes on September 7.

For the unversed, the Asia Cup 2025 will begin on September 9 with the opening match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the Islanders will open their campaign against Bangladesh on September 13 before facing Hong Kong and Afghanistan in the group stage fixtures.

Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

READ: Former cricketer slams India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, doubts T20 World Cup hopes

Former India selector Kris Srikkanth has criticized the national team’s squad selection for the forthcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, highlighting several weaknesses in the lineup.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth questioned India’s chances of winning next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.

The marquee event will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026, with a tentative schedule from February to March.

“We might win the Asia Cup with this team, but there is no chance of winning the T20 World Cup with this bunch,” he said.

Are you going to take this team to the World Cup? Is this the preparation for a tournament that is hardly six months away?” Srikkanth questioned

The 65-year-old emphasized the removal of the vice-captain and addition of several batters in the Indian squad.

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“They have gone backwards. Axar Patel has been removed from vice-captaincy. I don’t know how Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana have been included. IPL is considered the main criterion for selection, but the selectors seem to have looked beyond that,” he remarked.

Kris Srikkanth also pondered some batting questions, particularly the exclusion of opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal from the squad.

“Who will bat at No. 5? It could be Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh. Hardik Pandya usually bats at No. 5, so Axar cannot bat at six.

I don’t understand how Dube was picked. Yashasvi Jaiswal has proven himself in both international cricket and the IPL. What about him?” he concluded.

For the uninitiated, Suryakumar Yadav will lead India for the first time in a major event, with Test skipper Shubman Gill being named as his deputy in the shorter format.

The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on September 10 before squaring off against arch-rivals Pakistan four days later in the event’s blockbuster clash.

India Asia Cup 2025 Squad:

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Trophy for Pakistan, Afghanistan, UAE T20I tri-series revealed

Pakistan’s middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz opened up on the team’s preparations ahead of the tri-series and Asia Cup 2025.

Speaking to the media, Hasan commented on the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India in the continental tournament.

“Yes, it will be a challenge,” Hasan replied when asked if the upcoming encounter against India in the Asia Cup 2025 would be a challenge.

“There is pressure in every match, but we try to enjoy the game and take each contest as a challenge. India-Pakistan matches are always exciting, and I am looking forward to them. Our preparations are complete,” he told reporters.

The 24-year-old emphasized conditions, stressing adaptability to benefit the team.

“We will play according to the conditions in the UAE—every ball cannot be hit for six,” he explained.

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“I am confident and in a pressure situation, naturally, I play really well under,” Hasan Nawaz remarked.

The right-handed batter also highlighted improvement in his game, stating that he is learning a lot from coaches.

“I have learned a lot from Mike Hesson; he has been working closely with us, and I continue to gain valuable insights from him and the other coaches,” he concluded.

Hasan Nawaz made his debut against New Zealand on March 16 in Christchurch. In only his third match, he scored an unbeaten 105 from just 45 deliveries to power Pakistan to a victory in a daunting chase of 205 runs.

Since then, he has remained pivotal in Pakistan’s victories with his batting ability and the ability to score under pressure.

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place across two venues, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Pakistan will play their opening match in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 12 against Oman before squaring off against India in the much-anticipated encounter, scheduled for September 14.

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Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has tipped India as the favorites for the much-anticipated ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan

The two teams will square off in a high-voltage clash on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

This will also be India and Pakistan’s first meeting since the heightened tensions that occurred in May.

Now, Wasim Akram has commented on the Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan, urging fans not to lose their discipline.

“I am sure these matches will be entertaining, just like all other India-Pakistan matches. But I hope both the players and the fans will remain disciplined and do not cross the line,” he said in an interview with Telecom Asia Sport.

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The 59-year-old also opined on the clash, deeming India as the favorites due to their recent form.

“If Indians are patriotic and want their team to win, the same goes for Pakistani fans. India has been in better form recently and will start as favourites, but the team that handles pressure best on the day will win,” said Wasim Akram.

It is noteworthy to mention that Pakistan will play Afghanistan and the UAE in the tri-series before the marquee event. The matches of the tri-series are set to take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7.

The continental tournament is set to take place across two venues, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Pakistan will play their opening match in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 12 against Oman before squaring off against India in the much-anticipated encounter, scheduled for September 14.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025 

Pakistan: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem

READ: Hasan Nawaz comments on Pakistan’s preparations ahead of Tri-series, Asia Cup 2025

DUBAI: Middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz on Monday shared his thoughts on Pakistan’s preparations ahead of the tri-series and the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025.

Hasan Nawaz, alongside mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, candidly commented on the team’s preparation following the video released on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) social media handle.

The right-handed batter played a crucial role in taking Agha XI over the line against Saim XI in the intra-squad practice match held here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Hasan Nawaz, alongside mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, candidly commented on the team’s preparation following the video released on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) social media handle.

During the conversation, both players shed light on the outcome of the practice match, with Abrar praising Nawaz and wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Haris for their knocks.

In reply, Nawaz highlighted the performances of Abrar Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman.

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“In the match, the catch you took and the way you bowled were outstanding, and we restricted them to a low total,” Nawaz told Abrar.

“The players are in [good] form, Fakhar played very well. So, by the will of Almighty Allah, everyone’s and my strive is to continue this form for the tri-series and Asia Cup,” he remarked.

For context, Pakistan is set to play Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the tri-series, taking place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7.

Following the series, the eight-team ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will commence from September 9 in the UAE.

The continental tournament is set to take place across two venues, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Pakistan will play their opening match on September 12 against Oman before squaring off against India in the much-anticipated encounter, scheduled for September 14.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025 

Pakistan: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem

READ: Final squads announced for ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025

MUSCAT: Oman Cricket on Tuesday unveiled their 17-member squad for the upcoming ACC Asia Cup 2025, marking the country’s maiden appearance in the continental event.

Seasoned opener Jatinder Singh will lead the side, which features a mix of experience and fresh talent, including four uncapped players, Sufyan Yousuf, Zikriya Islam, Faisal Shah, and Nadeem Khan, all eyeing their international debuts.

Head coach Duleep Mendis called Oman’s participation a “fantastic opportunity” for his players to showcase their skills on a bigger stage.

“It is real that we are participating in the Asia Cup, a major tournament and a fantastic opportunity for our players to showcase their skills on a global stage,” he said.

“Playing against teams like India and Pakistan is a moment to embrace for any cricketer. Anything can happen in a fast-paced T20 game, where one over of brilliance can change everything.”

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Mendis added that preparation has been solid, with players gaining competitive exposure in the ongoing National T20 tournament and through intense training sessions.

“It’s not just about skills in high-pressure games against elite teams; mental strength is equally crucial. We are hopeful of making an impact in this Asia Cup and showcasing Oman as a growing cricketing nation,” he said.

Oman have been drawn in Group A alongside heavyweights India and Pakistan, as well as hosts UAE.

Their campaign begins against Pakistan on September 12, followed by matches against the UAE (September 15) and India (September 19).

Oman squad for Asia Cup 2025

Jatinder Singh (captain), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla, Sufyan Yousuf, Ashish Odedera, Aamir Kaleem, Mohammad Nadeem, Sufyan Mehmood, Aryan Bisht, Karan Sonavale, Zikriya Islam, Hassnain Ali Shah, Faisal Shah, Mohammad Imran, Nadeem Khan, Shakeel Ahmad, Samay Shrivastava.

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Former Pakistan cricketer Bazid Khan has highlighted the challenges faced by the India team ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, particularly the absences of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the lineup.

Speaking during a show on a sports channel, Bazid Khan talked about the India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming event.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from the shorter format of the game after India’s triumph in the 2024 World Cup.

Bazid mentioned the retired duo and their set standards for the India team ahead of the event.

“All these players are high-class,” he said.

“There isn’t anyone here you would say is not of that calibre. But the high intensity that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma brought to the game, that is something India will surely miss,” added Bazid.

He further mentioned the India captain, Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles against Pakistan, stating that his performance against the arch-rivals remains a core issue.

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“Suryakumar scores runs against almost everyone, but somehow against Pakistan, he hasn’t been effective. Whether it is the pace attack or some other reason, it remains an issue,” Bazid Khan remarked.

Notably, Suryakumar Yadav will be leading Team India for the first time in a major event.

With India facing Pakistan on September 14, Yadav’s performance will be under scrutiny. This will be due to the dynamic batter’s struggle against Pakistan, as the 34-year-old is yet to make a mark against them.

Overall, Yadav has an average of 38.20 with an excellent strike rate of 167.07 in 83 T20Is. On the contrary, in five T20I innings against Pakistan, he has scored just 64 runs at a modest average of 12.80 with a strike rate of 118.51.

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to commence on September 9 with the opening match between Hong Kong and Afghanistan.

India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson.

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