The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 9th and conclude with the final on September 28th, has undergone a significant change to its match timings. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced adjustments to the start times of the matches, impacting the schedule for the entire tournament.
Most matches, including the India vs. Pakistan clash, will now commence at 6:30 PM local time. This represents a half-hour delay compared to the initially proposed start times. Consequently, matches originally slated for 7:30 PM IST will now begin at 8:00 PM IST.
The decision to alter the timings stems from concerns regarding player safety and match quality due to the extreme heat prevalent across the Indian subcontinent during September, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. The BCCI requested that broadcasters permit a shift in match times, a request readily accepted to mitigate these issues.
All of India’s group-stage and potential knockout matches will be played under the new schedule, commencing at 8:00 PM IST, offering fans a slightly later, but potentially more comfortable viewing experience.
Notably, the UAE vs. Oman match, scheduled for September 15th at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, is the sole exception and will proceed as originally planned. The timing adjustments aim to ensure both player well-being and enhance the viewing experience for fans during the Asia Cup 2025.
