The United Arab Emirates will host the Asia Cup 2025 from September 9 to 28, 2025. The two prime venues where matches will be played in Abu Dhabi are Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, which feature eight teams battling through the group stage, Super Four, and the final on September 28 in Dubai.
Pakistan, which is placed in Group A alongside India, Oman, and the UAE, has a challenging road ahead. Their group-stage matches are:
- September 12: vs Oman at Dubai International (6:30 pm GST)
- September 14: vs India – the much-awaited clash also in Dubai (6:30 pm GST)
- September 17: vs UAE, wrapping up the group phase in Dubai (6:30 pm GST)
The key clashes are followed by the Super Four that includes a potential rematch with India on September 21. A potential third showdown is expected if both teams progress in the final on September 28, making this a potential hat-trick of duels.
The Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled a bold 17-member squad. Removal of notable stalwarts like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizman has shifted its focus towards aggressive, hard-hitting cricket. Salman Ali Agha has been named the captain of the team leading a blend of experience and emerging firepower.
Key squad members include:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is spearheading the pace attack.
- Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub will play as spinners.
- An all-rounder like Faheem Ashraf, who will give strength to the team.
- Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, and Khushdil Shah will act as batting aggressors.
- Mohammad Haris and Haris Rauf, the two wicketkeepers cum batsmen, will add depth to their batting.
- There will be support from other players with the likes of Hasan Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Waseem Jr., and Sufyan Moqim.
An in-form Pakistan enters the Asia Cup after clinching a Tri-series title in Sharjah as it gives a timely confidence boost as they pursue their first-ever T20I Asia Cup crown. They were crowned Asia Cup champions previously in the ODI format in 2000 and 2012.
Their head coach, Mike Hesson, stresses focus and adaptability. His message to the team: adapt quickly within a challenging Group A consisting India, UAE, and Oman, avoid external distractions and peak at the right time in Super Four.
The most electrifying moment of the tournament includes the clash between India vs Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. A Super Four rematch on September 21 and a possible third showdown in the final on September 28 give Pakistan the opportunity to spoil India’s chances.
Analysts like Aakash Chopra’s predictions state that Pakistan may fall short of expectations and that Sri Lanka or Bangladesh could make the final. However, former players like Aqib Javed have backed Pakistan’s new-look squad to beat India if they play aggressively.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign is all about reinvention. A new look team minus the veterans with the addition of fresh energy and capitalizing on recent form -their motive is to make bold statements, especially on high pressure dates like September 14, 21, and 28.
If this energetic squad delivers, adapts properly to the conditions, and handles the high-voltage India clashes with composure, then the Green Shirts have their chance of lifting the coveted trophy in Dubai.