Cricket fans, get ready! The year 2025 promises to bring some of the most thrilling tournaments in the world of cricket. Whether you love fast-paced T20s, classic ODIs, or domestic leagues where new stars shine, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we will explore 10 of the most exciting cricket tournaments to watch in 2025 — where they are, what makes them special, and why you shouldn’t miss them.
As we go through each tournament, you’ll find key facts (dates, format, host), what to expect, and what makes it exciting. Let’s dive in and pick your favourites!
The Top 10 Cricket Tournaments of 2025
Below is a list of the ten tournaments we will cover. Afterwards we’ll discuss each one in more detail.
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Asia Cup 2025
- ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
- ICC Under‑19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
- Lanka Premier League 2025
- Abu Dhabi T10 2025
- The Hundred 2025
- T20 Blast 2025
- Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025
- Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025
(Note: For some leagues the full details are still being finalised, but we know enough to highlight why they’ll be exciting.)
1. ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Format & host
- Format: One-Day International (ODI). Wikipedia+2Champions Trophy 2025+2
- Dates: 19 February to 9 March 2025. Wikipedia+1
- Host: Pakistan Cricket Board (Pakistan) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for some matches. Wikipedia
- Participants: Top 8 men’s national teams. Wikipedia
Why this one is exciting
- It’s a major global tournament, so you’ll see big nations battling.
- Because it’s ODIs, the games have a classic feel — enough time for strategies and suspense.
- The hybrid hosting (Pakistan + UAE) adds interest, especially with logistics and different conditions.
- Given the host and format, fans will look out for star players stepping up.
What to look out for
- The clash of big teams: India, Pakistan, England, Australia, South Africa, etc.
- Day matches under lights in UAE venues (makes for a good TV watch).
- The format: group stage then knockout — so every match matters.
- Upsets: With only eight teams, a surprise win can change the tournament quickly.
2. Asia Cup 2025
Format & host
- Format: Twenty20 International (T20I). Wikipedia
- Dates: 9 to 28 September 2025. Wikipedia
- Host: United Arab Emirates (UAE). Wikipedia
- Participants: 8 Asian teams including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, plus UAE, Oman and Hong Kong. Wikipedia
Why this one is exciting
- The T20 format means fast, high-scoring, fun games.
- The Asia Cup includes big rivalries (for example India vs Pakistan).
- It gives emerging teams (like Oman, Hong Kong) a chance to shine on a big stage.
- Late-season timing means fans will be primed after a full year of cricket.
What to look out for
- Who will win: Established powerhouses or rising challengers?
- Game in unfamiliar conditions (UAE) – spinners might come into play.
- Impact for team rankings and flags for upcoming world tournaments.
- The final stretch: as it’s short (just ~19 matches) every match has tension.
3. ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
Format & host
- Format: Women’s One Day International (50 overs). icc+2icc+2
- Dates: 30 September to 2 November 2025. Wikipedia+1
- Hosts: India and Sri Lanka (five venues across both countries) icc+1
- Participants: 8 teams. Wikipedia
Why this one is exciting
- Women’s global cricket is growing fast, and this tournament will be a showcase.
- Big stage: competing for the world trophy.
- Hosting in India/Sri Lanka gives great atmosphere, big crowds, passionate fans.
- Opens door to rising women stars, inspiring future players.
What to look out for
- The final: who lifts the trophy.
- Breakout performances by new players (for example young batters or bowlers turning heads).
- Venue diversity: games across different cities (some less used for women’s matches).
- Fan engagement: stronger viewership, more media coverage than ever.
4. ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
Format & host
- Format: Twenty20 (T20) for under-19 women. Wikipedia
- Dates: 18 January to 2 February 2025. Wikipedia
- Host: Malaysia. Wikipedia
- Participants: 16 teams. Wikipedia
Why this one is exciting
- It’s youth cricket at a global scale: future stars of cricket will be on display.
- Fast-format (T20) means high action, big hits, big excitement.
- Unfamiliar venue (Malaysia) adds a novelty factor.
- It’s early in the year — a great start for 2025 cricket fans.
What to look out for
- Which youth players become names we’ll hear for years.
- Upsets: lesser-known nations may make big waves.
- The progression: from this tournament into senior squads.
- The impact of young females in cricket — fresh talent, new markets.
5. Lanka Premier League 2025
Format & host
- Format: T20 franchise league in Sri Lanka. Wikipedia+1
- Scheduled Dates: Initially from 27 November to 23 December 2025. news.lk+1
- Note: It was later postponed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to focus on venue preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. newswire.lk+1
Why this one is exciting
- Franchise T20 leagues are always high-energy: international stars + local heroes.
- Sri Lanka as a host brings warm climate, passionate fans, and exciting cricket culture.
- If it happens as scheduled, it offers good late-year entertainment after major international tournaments.
What to look out for
- The tournament’s fate: keep track of final dates and any changes.
- Which overseas stars will join — this often boosts excitement.
- How local Sri Lankan players perform alongside international players.
- Match conditions: grounds, weather, spin pitches.
6. Abu Dhabi T10 2025
Format & host
- Format: T10 (10 overs per side!) — a very short, fast format. Wikipedia+1
- Dates: 18–30 November 2025. Wikipedia
- Host: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Wikipedia
- Participants: 8 franchise teams. Wikipedia
Why this one is exciting
- T10 means blink and you’ll miss something. Big hits, rapid wickets, full entertainment.
- A franchise setup means star players, big names, high stakes.
- Held in a major global city (Abu Dhabi) — good for fans overseas and streaming.
- The timing (late November) means end-of-year drama.
What to look out for
- How teams build for such a short format: different strategies.
- Which players adapt best to 10-over a side — bowlers under pressure, batters racing.
- Match evenings: good for viewing in different time-zones.
- The playoffs: with few matches, each game counts big.
7. The Hundred 2025
Format & host
- Format: A 100-ball per side competition (a shorter and unique form). The Guardian
- Dates: August 5–31 2025 (as per earlier reports) The Daily Jagran+1
- Host: England & Wales (city-based teams).
Why this one is exciting
- Unique format: 100 balls makes it fresh and fun even for casual fans.
- Combined men’s and women’s competition in many cases — good for inclusive cricket.
- Held in England & Wales, with strong cricketing infrastructure and fan culture.
- It’s in summer – great for fans travelling or watching outdoors.
What to look out for
- Which format rules or innovations succeed here (e.g., new timing, new tactics).
- The final at a high-profile venue (likely Lord’s or equivalent) draws attention.
- Star overseas players and local talent mixing.
- The growing popularity of the format and whether it influences other tournaments.
8. T20 Blast 2025
Format & host
- Format: Domestic T20 competition in England & Wales. The Daily Jagran
- Dates: May 29 – September 13 2025. The Daily Jagran
- Host: England & Wales, county teams.
Why this one is exciting
- Being longer (over summer) means plenty of games, stories, ups and downs.
- Domestic talent: either local heroes shining or big names dropping in.
- Very accessible: many matches, many locations. Good for regional fans.
- Build-up to the international season — good for spotting future stars.
What to look out for
- Which counties dominate and which surprise.
- Attendance and crowd vibe: English summer cricket has great atmosphere.
- The role of overseas players: many county teams engage international stars.
- Bonus: this tournament often influences selection for England’s national side.
9. Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025
Format & host
- Format: T20 franchise league in the United States. The Daily Jagran
- Dates: June 13 – July 14 2025 (approx) The Daily Jagran
- Host: USA.
Why this one is exciting
- Cricket in the USA is still growing — so there’s novelty and potential.
- Franchise model, likely big investment, star players — all the ingredients for entertainment.
- Global reach: great for viewers in Asia, Europe, America.
- The chance to watch cricket in new markets and venues.
What to look out for
- Which international players participate: big names will attract attention.
- Venue quality and crowd engagement: USA cricket will be interesting to follow.
- The league’s growth potential: success here can influence global cricket expansion.
- Fan experience: new markets often experiment with entertainment, format tweaks.
10. Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025
Format & host
- Format: T20 franchise league in the Caribbean region. The Daily Jagran
- Dates: August 15 – September 22 2025 (approx) The Daily Jagran
- Host: Caribbean islands (Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica etc).
Why this one is exciting
- Cricket + carnival atmosphere: the Caribbean towns bring energy and fun to the sport.
- High-scoring T20 cricket: fans love big hits and entertainment in the CPL.
- Mix of local West-Indies talent and international stars.
- Timing: late summer gives interruption between major international windows.
What to look out for
- Which teams dominate and which surprise.
- Big hitters: T20 leagues often turn into batting shows — expect fireworks.
- Fan culture: beach-side stadiums, music, party atmosphere.
- Influence on global T20 strategies: strong performances here often shift player markets.
Comparison Table: Tournament Formats & Highlights
Here’s a quick overview of the 10 tournaments with key features for comparison:
| # | Tournament | Format | Host / Region | Highlight feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ICC Champions Trophy | ODI (50 overs) | Pakistan / UAE | Big international stakes |
| 2 | Asia Cup | T20I | UAE | Asian rivalries, fast format |
| 3 | Women’s Cricket World Cup | Women’s ODI | India / Sri Lanka | Top women’s cricket global event |
| 4 | Under-19 Women’s T20 WC | Youth T20 | Malaysia | Future stars in fast format |
| 5 | Lanka Premier League | T20 Franchise | Sri Lanka | Local + international stars |
| 6 | Abu Dhabi T10 | T10 | UAE | Ultra-short, high-impact matches |
| 7 | The Hundred | 100-ball format | England/ Wales | Innovative format, urban cities |
| 8 | T20 Blast | T20 Domestic | England & Wales | Summer cricket, county teams |
| 9 | Major League Cricket | T20 Franchise | USA | Cricket expansion into USA |
| 10 | Caribbean Premier League | T20 Franchise | Caribbean islands | Party atmosphere, big hits |
This table helps you see at a glance the different kinds of tournaments: some global, some domestic; some for women, youth, or specific formats (T10, Hundred). The variety is one of the things that makes 2025 especially exciting for cricket fans.
What Makes 2025 Special for Cricket?
Here are some reasons why the year stands out:
- Diverse formats: From T10 and 100-ball matches to classic ODI World Cups, fans have many styles to enjoy.
- Growing women’s game: With the Women’s World Cup and Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, women’s cricket is reaching new heights.
- New markets: With tournaments like MLC in the USA and T10 in UAE, cricket’s footprint is expanding globally.
- Fan experience: Many tournaments are designed for both stadium and streaming audiences, meaning access is easier than ever.
- Talent showcase: Youth tournaments and franchise leagues mean fresh talent will emerge.
- Calendar full of cricket: From January to December, there’s almost no gap — fans will be entertained all year long.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Tournaments
Here are some practical tips for you (and other fans) to enjoy 2025’s cricket season fully:
- Mark your calendar: Use the dates above to plan when you’ll watch.
- Select your teams: Pick one or two favourite teams/tournaments to follow closely — this deepens your engagement.
- Learn the formats: E.g., T10 is very different from ODI; knowing the format helps you appreciate tactics.
- Follow rising players: Especially in youth and franchise leagues — you might spot future stars.
- Watch the rivalry matches: Some games carry extra excitement (India vs Pakistan, major finals).
- Use multiple mediums: Live TV, streaming, highlights — help you keep up despite time-zones.
- Engage in fan communities: Social media, cricket forums, match day chats make the experience richer.
- Explore women’s cricket: With the women’s tournaments gaining prominence, they are a must-watch.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: Tournaments like CPL or T10 have music, fun, non-cricket entertainment too — treat them as events.
- Stay updated: Some tournaments may change dates or venues — keep tabs on official announcements.
Conclusion
The cricket calendar for 2025 is packed with variety, excitement and global reach. From the grand stage of the ICC Champions Trophy to the fast-paced T10 action in Abu Dhabi, from the power of the Women’s World Cup to the fresh faces of the Under-19 Women’s T20, this year offers it all.
If you plan to watch even a few of these tournaments, you’ll experience many styles of cricket, see new stars emerge, and witness intense moments that may become legendary. Use the tips above to pick your favourites, follow your teams, and engage fully.
So grab your jersey, set your reminders, call your friends to watch together or stream matches online — 2025 is a year of cricket you won’t want to miss.
Here’s to six-plus months of thrilling overs, nail-biting finishes and unforgettable cricketing moments. Enjoy the ride.
