The 2025 Asia Cup is set to ignite regional cricket fever as top teams gear up for the UAE-hosted tournament from September 9 to 28. Matches will take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with Dubai’s International Stadium hosting high-profile games — including a possible Pakistan vs India clash if both teams reach the Super Four stage. The tournament opener will feature Hong Kong vs Afghanistan, and most matches will begin at 6 PM Gulf Standard Time, except for a single 3 PM fixture on September 15.
Group A includes Pakistan, India, Oman, and UAE, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. The UAE has yet to announce its squad, but all other teams have confirmed strong lineups. The group stage promises fierce competition as each team eyes a spot in the Super Four round, set to begin mid-tournament.
Pakistan will be led by Salman Agha, with seasoned stars like Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Haris providing firepower. The squad appears balanced, combining pace, power, and depth in the batting order. Expectations are high as the Green Shirts aim for another regional title.
India’s squad is captained by Suryakumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill as his deputy. Key players include Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Rinku Singh. India enters the tournament with a potent mix of youth and experience, especially in their fast-bowling and middle-order units.
Other squads also bring impressive lineups. Rashid Khan will lead Afghanistan, supported by Mujeeb, Nabi, and Gurbaz. Litton Das captains Bangladesh, backed by Mustafizur, Taskin, and Tanzid Hasan. Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, features a strong spin unit with Hasaranga and Theekshana. Hong Kong and Oman, led by Yasim Murtaza and Jatinder Singh respectively, will look to cause upsets.