Asia Cup 2025 Host Venues Breakdown: Complete Guide to Stadiums and Fixtures

The United Arab Emirates is hosting the 2025 Asia Cup, and from September 9–28, 2025, all of the matches will be split between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There are 19 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in the event, including the final and Super Four stage. 

Confirmed schedules indicate that the first match will take place in Abu Dhabi on September 9, India will start on September 10 in Dubai, the India-Pakistan match will take place on September 14 in Dubai, and the final will take place on September 28 in Dubai.

Where the matches are played

Two famous UAE venues will host the 2025 Asia Cup matches, according to the ACC calendar:

The majority of the event, including the majority of Super Four matches and the final game, is held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. 11 of the 19 matches, including the title match final, are in Dubai, according to external schedule roundups.

The tournament's opening match and a sizable portion of the group matches are held at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Key early fixtures and dates (highlights)

• Sep 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong – Abu Dhabi (tournament opener)
   
• Sep 10: India vs UAE – Dubai
   
• Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman – Dubai
   
• Sep 14: India vs Pakistan – Dubai
   
• Sep 20–26: Super Four matches split between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
   
• Sep 28: Final – Dubai

Venue deep dive

1) Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Dubai)

• Capacity and essentials: approximately 25,000; floodlit bowl at Dubai Sports City with great views.
• Role in the Asia Cup: hosting key matches of the 2025 Asia Cup venues like the final and the main matches, including the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match on September 14.
• Surface Nature: A balanced deck that provides a fair duel between bat and ball, the pitch usually has a hard, level, and dry surface. Pacers with movement and a disciplined line can get some help early on, but as the innings go on, batting usually gets easier.
• Pacer Behaviour: fast bowlers can still extract bounce and rhythm, particularly in the early overs, by using seam, cutters, or pace variations.
• Spin Behavior: As the surface slows down and exhibits greater grip in the middle overs, spin becomes useful in assisting spinners in exerting control and extracting turn.
• Overs Games: Powerplay overs(1-6) - Pacers want to move quickly; top-order hitters need control. Middle overs(7-14) smooth out the surface, making it a safe wicket that can be used to build innings. Death over(15-20): Dew makes chasing easier and presents bowlers with grip issues when it slides the ball.
• Toss Impact: Captains who win the toss frequently favor chasing.
• Average first-innings score: ~140–145
• Average second-innings score: ~10–20 runs lower(130–140).

2) Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi)

• Capacity and essentials: approximately 25,000; floodlit bowl at Dubai Sports City with great views.
• Role in the Asia Cup: Shares Super Four duty after hosting the opening game and a few of Group B matches. 
• Surface Nature: At first, the pitch usually provides a fair duel between bat and ball. The surface tends to flatten out under lights, benefiting the batters as the innings go on, but there is enough grass or seam-friendly grip early to help pacers.
• Pacer Behaviour: A real surface gives pacers some bounce, but seam movement is minimal. That means early breakthroughs often come through variations
• Spin Behavior: Spinners may cause significant damage in the middle overs if they pitch it correctly and target the stumps.
• Overs Games: Powerplay overs(1-6)- Low lateral motion and some bounce for pacers. Middle overs(7-14)- Pitch slows, which favors spinners and careful bowling. Death over(15-20): If batsmen time their shots correctly, they can capitalize, especially when chasing.
• Toss Impact: Chasing teams won maximum matches 63–75 T20Is (e.g., 35 chase wins vs. 28 for batting first).
• Average first-innings score: ~139–142
• Average second-innings score: ~127–128

Why the UAE works as the Asia Cup 2025 host

• Neutral, outstanding infrastructure: Two globally recognized locations that are easily accessible by car, with streamlined broadcast windows and logistics.
• Proven big-event pedigree: With pitch rotation plans and curatorial skills, the UAE has successfully hosted high-profile bilateral series and multi-team events (e.g., rotation between numerous strips in Dubai and Abu Dhabi during recent leagues).
• Accessibility for fans: A sizable South Asian diaspora guarantees high attendance and exciting environments, especially for matches like India vs. Pakistan.