UAE: The United Arab Emirates will host the T20 Asia Cup 2025 from September 9 to 28, organisers confirmed on Saturday, putting an end to uncertainty surrounding the tournament amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012, with matches between the two sides restricted to neutral venues during international tournaments due to strained diplomatic relations. Tensions between the two nations worsened earlier this year following a deadly four-day conflict — the most intense in decades — which claimed over 70 lives through missile, drone, and artillery attacks. The conflict was sparked by an April 22 attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan — a claim Pakistan has denied.

The Asia Cup is held under the supervision of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), currently chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi.

“I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE,” Naqvi announced on social media platform X. “The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th.”

The tournament will feature eight teams. The five full ACC members — India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka — have qualified automatically. They will be joined by Hong Kong, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, who secured their spots by finishing among the top three in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup.

Unlike the previous edition, which was played in the 50-over format, this year’s Asia Cup will follow the shorter T20 format to align with preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be hosted by India.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since the partition of British India in 1947, and their political rivalry continues to echo on the cricket field, drawing intense global attention every time the two sides clash.