The Asia Cup starts today with Afghanistan and Hong Kong opening the event at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, and on September 10, India will play their first match against the United Arab Emirates at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Eight teams are participating and competing in the tournament, which starts on September 9, with the final scheduled for September 28.
It is expected that India and Pakistan could face off three times during the tournament. This time it is a T20 format, and players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma won’t be playing.
As the Asia Cup is scheduled to start today, let’s take a look at the important aspects of the tournament.
Why UAE this time?
Initially, the tournament was scheduled to be held in India, but due to political tensions between the two countries, it was shifted to the UAE.
Teams participating
Eight teams are participating. This includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan (these teams have directly qualified for the tournament), while UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong qualified as the top 3 teams from the 2024 associates tournament.
Group A: India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman
Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka
Group Stage Schedule
Sep 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 10: India vs United Arab Emirates at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 14: India vs Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 15: United Arab Emirates vs Oman at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (5:30 PM IST)
Sep 15: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 17: Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 19: India vs Oman at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (8:00 PM IST)
Super Four Schedule
Sep 20: B1 vs B2 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 21: A1 vs A2 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 23: A2 vs B1 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 24: A1 vs B2 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 25: A2 vs B2 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Sep 26: A1 vs B1 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
Final
Sep 28: Final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (8:00 PM IST)
How many times will India and Pakistan face off?
The first match between the two arch-rival nations, India and Pakistan, is happening on September 14, and then again on September 21. A third match could take place if both teams defeat others and reach the final.
Prize money
According to reports, this year’s prize amount is much higher compared to last year. The champions will receive $300,000, which is approximately ₹2.6 crore, while the runners-up will get $150,000. However, there hasn’t been any official announcement yet.