The countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 is gaining momentum, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially confirmed their squad for the tournament. With star batter Muhammad Waseem set to captain the side, the hosts are aiming to make a statement on home soil against some of the biggest cricketing powerhouses in Asia.
UAE Announce 17-Member Squad
The Emirates Cricket Board has unveiled a 17-player squad for the upcoming continental event. Much of the squad mirrors the group currently competing in the T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and Pakistan, but two fresh names have been added:
- Matiullah Khan – a right-arm pace bowler known for his ability to extract bounce and movement in UAE conditions.
- Simranjeet Singh – a left-arm spinner whose variations could prove handy on spin-friendly tracks.
This injection of bowling depth reflects UAE’s intent to strengthen their attack for high-pressure games against elite opposition.
Full Squad List:
- Muhammad Waseem (c)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Aryansh Sharma
- Asif Khan
- Dhruv Parashar
- Ethan D’Souza
- Haider Ali
- Harshit Kaushik
- Junaid Siddique
- Matiullah Khan
- Muhammad Farooq
- Muhammad Jawadullah
- Muhammad Zohaib
- Rahul Chopra
- Rohid Khan
- Simranjeet Singh
- Saghir Khan
Group Stage Challenge
UAE have been drawn into Group A, which is arguably the toughest pool of the tournament. Their opponents include:
- India – perennial Asia Cup contenders with a star-studded lineup.
- Pakistan – two-time Asia Cup champions and fierce rivals in UAE conditions.
- Oman – a rising associate nation with growing pedigree in T20 cricket.
UAE will kick off their campaign against India on September 10 at the iconic Dubai International Stadium. Following that, they face Oman on September 15 in Abu Dhabi, before locking horns with Pakistan on September 17 back in Dubai.
Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, where the competition intensifies in a round-robin format before the grand finale.
Read More: Final Squads Announced for ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025
This will mark only UAE’s second-ever appearance in the Asia Cup. Their first outing came in 2016 when the tournament was held in Bangladesh. Back then, UAE qualified through the Asia Cup qualifiers but found it difficult to match up against full-member nations.
UAE’s Asia Cup History
Nine years later, the team returns with the advantage of home conditions and a far more balanced squad. Hosting the tournament provides UAE not just an opportunity to showcase its cricketing growth but also a chance to test themselves against the very best in Asia.
Spotlight on Captain Muhammad Waseem
At the heart of this squad is Muhammad Waseem, UAE’s aggressive opening batter and captain. Known for his fearless approach at the crease, Waseem has carved a reputation as a game-changer in T20Is. His ability to take on bowlers from the first ball makes him a key player, especially when facing formidable bowling units like India’s pace battery or Pakistan’s spin attack.
Waseem’s leadership will also be under the microscope. Balancing the dual role of being a run-scorer and a tactical captain will be crucial. If he can inspire his teammates with both bat and strategy, UAE could spring a surprise or two.
Key Players to Watch
Beyond the captain, several names stand out as potential difference-makers:
- Alishan Sharafu – A technically sound batter who can anchor the innings when early wickets fall.
- Asif Khan – Known for his explosive hitting in the middle order; he has the ability to turn games in a matter of overs.
- Junaid Siddique – A seasoned pacer whose experience will be vital in containing top-order batsmen.
- Aryansh Sharma & Rahul Chopra – The wicketkeeping options, both bringing agility and versatility behind the stumps.
- Simranjeet Singh – The new spin option could be decisive on slow UAE surfaces, particularly against sides like Oman.
Tournament Context
The Asia Cup 2025 features eight teams split into two groups of four. Alongside UAE’s Group A, Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
The event also serves as a dress rehearsal for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. For teams like UAE, who rarely face such consistent exposure to full-member nations, this is a golden chance to gain experience and showcase their depth.
Can UAE Cause an Upset?
While India and Pakistan are overwhelming favorites to progress from Group A, cricket has a way of producing surprises. UAE’s familiarity with the pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi could tilt conditions slightly in their favor. For example:
- Spinners like Simranjeet Singh could exploit turning tracks against big-hitting lineups.
- Pacer Junaid Siddique may thrive under lights in Dubai, where swing often plays a role.
- Waseem and Asif Khan could take advantage of powerplays to put early pressure on opponents.
Even if UAE does not advance deep into the tournament, a single upset win over a heavyweight side would be a landmark achievement and a boost for cricket’s development in the region.
Final Thoughts
The UAE enter the Asia Cup 2025 as underdogs, but with the confidence of being hosts and the leadership of an in-form captain in Muhammad Waseem, they are well-positioned to make their presence felt. The addition of fresh talent, coupled with experienced campaigners, gives them a balanced squad that can compete fiercely.
Fans in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will no doubt rally behind the home team, making this campaign not just about results but also about inspiring the next generation of Emirati cricketers.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the tournament, UAE’s journey will be closely watched. Whether they rise as giant-killers or simply gain invaluable experience, one thing is certain: this Asia Cup marks a new chapter for cricket in the Emirates.
