Cricket fans, the Asia Cup is back and the excitement is real. Whether you’re a die‑hard follower or just want to catch the big moments, this guide gives you the basics – dates, teams, where to watch, and a few quick thoughts on who might win.
The tournament kicks off on September 12, 2025, and runs until October 5, 2025. All matches are spread across three venues in the host country: the National Stadium in Dhaka, the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The venues were picked for good pitch conditions and easy travel for fans.
Each team plays a round‑robin format before the top two meet in a single final. That means there are 15 matches in total – plenty of cricket to keep you busy.
Six Asian nations are in the mix: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates. India and Pakistan are the heavyweights, but the last few editions showed that Sri Lanka and Afghanistan can pull off surprises.
Key players to watch include Virat Kohli for India, Babar Azam for Pakistan, and Rashid Khan for Afghanistan. If you’re looking for rising stars, keep an eye on Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis. Their performances often tip the balance in close games.
Streaming options are simple. In the Indian subcontinent, the tournament is broadcast on Star Sports and streamed via Disney+ Hotstar. For viewers in the Middle East, beIN Sports holds the rights, and you can watch the live feed on the beIN Connect app.
If you prefer free options, many matches are streamed on YouTube by official cricket boards. Just search for the match name and look for the verified channel. Make sure you have a stable internet connection – a 5 Mbps speed is usually enough for HD streaming.
Based on recent form, India looks like the favorite. Their batting line‑up is solid, and the bowlers have been consistent in T20s and ODIs. Pakistan isn’t far behind; Babar’s team has a balanced side that can chase big totals.
Afghanistan’s spin attack, led by Rashid, could cause upsets, especially on slower pitches in Dubai. Sri Lanka might surprise if their younger players step up. Bangladesh will have home advantage in Dhaka, which often helps them in crucial moments.
Overall, expect a few tight finishes and a couple of rain‑affected games – the weather in early September can be unpredictable in the Gulf region.
1. Set a reminder for each match. The schedule changes only if rain forces a delay, so a quick calendar alert saves you from missing a game.
2. Use a VPN if you’re outside the broadcast regions. A reliable VPN lets you pick the server of the country where the match is free to watch.
3. Follow the official Asia Cup social media accounts. They post live scores, highlight clips, and quick player stats that help you stay updated even if you can’t watch the whole match.
That’s the low‑down on Asia Cup 2025. Grab your snacks, get the streaming set up, and enjoy the cricket. May the best team win!
Harbhajan Singh says India should not play Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2025 until relations improve, citing the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. He pointed to his own team’s boycott in a recent legends tournament and said national security outweighs sport. The September 14 Dubai match is the first India-Pakistan game since the attack. He added he’ll respect any call made by the government.
