Cricket Hong Kong has unveiled a 20-player squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team will travel to the UAE on August 24 for an intensive preparation camp ahead of the marquee continental event.
Leadership Group and Experience
The side will be captained by Yasim Murtaza, with senior batter Babar Hayat serving as vice-captain. For Hayat, this edition carries special significance as it marks his return to a leading role after previously captaining the national side.
This tournament will be Hong Kong’s fifth Asia Cup appearance, following their stints in 2004, 2008, 2018, and 2022. Their qualification came through a hard-fought victory over Nepal in the 2024 ACC Premier Cup, a win that secured their ticket to the UAE.
A Balanced Squad with Fresh Aspirations
The squad announcement highlighted a mix of experienced campaigners and promising youngsters. Hong Kong will also be guided by Kaushal Silva, the former Sri Lanka batter who was recently appointed head coach.
Speaking about the team’s build-up, Silva said:
“The team’s final preparations for the upcoming tournament will begin with their tour of the UAE. Bringing a 20-player squad gives him an opportunity to assess each individual and help the players hone their skills. The tour will also be vital for building stronger bonds and a winning mentality within the team.”
His emphasis on both skill development and team chemistry suggests that Hong Kong’s focus is not just on competing but also on laying the foundation for future success in Asia’s growing cricket landscape.
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Key Fixtures and Tournament Outlook
Hong Kong’s campaign will begin with a high-stakes clash against Afghanistan on September 9. Afghanistan’s rise as a formidable T20 and ODI unit makes this opener particularly challenging. However, Hong Kong’s players have shown resilience in qualifiers and will look to use that momentum against stronger opposition.
With powerhouse teams like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka also in the competition, Hong Kong enters the tournament as underdogs. Yet, their previous Asia Cup participations have seen them punch above their weight, most notably in 2018 when they ran India close in the group stages.
Full Hong Kong Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Yasim Murtaza (C)
- Babar Hayat (VC)
- Zeeshan Ali (WK)
- Shahid Wasif (WK)
- Niazakat Khan Mohammad
- Nasrulla Rana
- Martin Coetzee
- Anshuman Rath
- Ehsan Khan
- Kalhan Marc Challu
- Ayush Ashish Shukla
- Mohammad Aizaz Khan
- Ateeq Ul Rehman Iqbal
- Kinchit Shah
- Adil Mehmood
- Anas Khan
- Haroon Mohammad Arshad
- Ali-Hassan
- Ghazanfar Mohammad
- Mohammad Waheed
What This Means for Hong Kong Cricket
For Hong Kong, competing in the Asia Cup offers much more than international exposure—it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of cricketers in a nation where cricket continues to grow despite limited infrastructure.
If the squad manages to deliver a few strong performances, particularly against higher-ranked teams, it could not only boost confidence but also enhance the profile of Hong Kong cricket globally.
As the countdown ASIA CUP 2025 begins, all eyes will be on how Murtaza, Hayat, and Rath lead from the front, while younger names like Kalhan Marc Challu and Ayush Shukla aim to make their mark on the big stage.