Dubai: In a proactive move to safeguard players from extreme weather conditions, the Asia Cup 2025 organisers have announced a significant change in the tournament’s match timings.
Eighteen of the 19 scheduled games, including the highly anticipated final, will now begin at 6:30 PM local time in the UAE, which corresponds to 8 PM Indian Standard Time. This adjustment pushes the start time by half an hour compared to the original schedule.
The decision comes in response to the expected high temperatures in September, when daytime mercury levels in the UAE are forecast to soar into the early 40s Celsius. Such scorching conditions could pose health risks to players, officials, and even ground staff, especially during prolonged exposure in day fixtures. By moving the majority of matches to the evening, organisers aim to ensure safer and more comfortable playing conditions while maintaining the competitive integrity of the tournament.
The change was made following requests from the participating cricket boards and was approved by the broadcasters covering the event. This coordination ensures that fans watching from across the globe, particularly in India, will be able to follow live action during prime evening hours.
The only match unaffected by this timing adjustment is the tournament’s sole day fixture, scheduled between UAE and Oman on September 15 at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium. The tournament itself will commence on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, marking the start of the eight-team competition that promises intense action across all matches.
This move highlights the growing focus on player welfare and adaptability in international cricket scheduling, balancing fan engagement with safety considerations in extreme climates.