The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) have announced a significant revision to the match timings for the upcoming DP World Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates. This move comes as a proactive response to the persistent and extreme heat conditions sweeping across the UAE, with temperatures soaring to record highs even in late August. The adjustment aims to safeguard players’ health, enhance on-field performance, and improve the overall fan experience both inside the stadiums and for viewers across South Asia.
Key Updates on Asia Cup 2025 Match Timings
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Eighteen of the nineteen matches will now start at 6:30 PM Gulf Standard Time (GST), which translates to 8:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
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This change delays the start by 30 minutes from the original time of 6:00 PM local.
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The only exception is the UAE versus Oman match on September 15, which remains a day game due to scheduling, starting at 4:00 PM GST (5:30 PM IST) at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
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This match is the sole daytime fixture in the entire tournament.
Rationale Behind the Revised Timings
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The UAE has experienced an intense heat wave, with temperatures touching up to 47 degrees Celsius in some places during August, following the country’s hottest recorded months of April and May. Such harsh weather conditions could adversely impact player safety and the quality of cricket. The revised schedule seeks to:
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Avoid playing during the harshest heat of the day by shifting matches to later evening hours.
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Provide cooler conditions inside the stadiums for players and fans.
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Maximize television viewership across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and other cricket-loving nations by aligning matches with prime-time viewing.
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Facilitate a smoother and safer playing environment ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC T20 World Cup, upcoming major events for the participating teams.
Detailed Schedule and Venue Information
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The tournament is hosted across two venues: Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Group A features India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman.
Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
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Matches involve round-robin group stages, followed by the Super 4s and a final.
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The marquee India vs Pakistan group stage match is scheduled for September 14 at Dubai and will begin at 8:00 PM IST.
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India’s initial fixture against hosts UAE will be on September 10 in Dubai.
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India’s final group fixture against Oman is slated for September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
Tournament Format Essentials
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Eight teams divided into two groups play each other once in the group stage.
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Top two teams from each group proceed to the Super 4 stage, where they face the other qualifiers.
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The top two from the Super 4 advance to the final scheduled on September 28 in Dubai, with a reserve day on September 29.
Impact and Importance of Timing Revisions
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The delay of match starts by 30 minutes appears minor but is crucial for mitigating heat-related risks.
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It reflects a player-first approach amid concerns about extreme weather conditions in the Gulf.
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The change also benefits broadcasters by positioning games during peak viewing hours, boosting fan engagement and commercial returns.
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With high stakes involved—teams aiming for Asia Cup glory and preparing for global tournaments—the timing shift adds comfort without compromising on competitive intensity.
In conclusion, the Asia Cup 2025’s revised match timing is a thoughtfully calibrated decision driven by extreme climatic realities and stakeholder collaboration. The move promises a safer, more enjoyable, and broadcast-friendly event, setting the stage for thrilling contests featuring Asia’s best cricketing talent under more favorable conditions.
Source: Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Moneycontrol, The Shillong Times, India Today, and SportsYaari
