Asia Cup shifts start times to avoid UAE heat
Dubai, August 30 2025:
Start times for the Asia Cup have been pushed back to help players avoid the worst of the United Arab Emirates’ September heat.
Eighteen of the tournament’s 19 matches, including the final, will now begin at 6:30 p.m. local time, half an hour later than originally scheduled. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise into the low 40s Celsius and remain high until late evening.
The change was requested by participating cricket boards and approved by broadcasters, meaning all day-night matches will start at 8 p.m. IST.
The only unaffected game is the sole day fixture, the UAE vs. Oman clash on Sept. 15 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The tournament opens Sept. 9 in Abu Dhabi, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the first of 19 matches among the eight competing teams.
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