Asia Cup 2025: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have finalized their squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series at home, naming star batter Muhammad Waseem as captain. The series, which features Pakistan and Afghanistan, will be staged in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7, offering a vital tune-up for all three teams before the highly anticipated Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, beginning on September 9.
A Bigger, Stronger UAE Squad
UAE selectors have opted for a 15-man squad, an expansion from the 14 players that took part in their recent campaign at the Pearl of Africa Cup in Uganda. That tournament saw UAE finish as runners-up, a sign of their growing consistency in international cricket.
Key Changes:
- In: Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah
- Out: Akif Raja, Matiullah Khan, Zuhaib Zubair
Among the inclusions, 28-year-old Harshit Kaushik stands out as a potential debutant. A middle-order batter who can also bowl left-arm spin, Kaushik adds versatility to the side.
Veteran seamer Junaid Siddique, 32, makes a return after a string of impressive performances in both domestic and franchise cricket, including the ILT20 and Global T20 Canada. With 76 wickets in 59 ODIs and 96 wickets in 71 T20Is, his experience could prove invaluable in high-pressure situations.
Left-arm pacer Muhammad Jawadullah continues to grow in stature. At just 26, he has already featured in 12 ODIs and 33 T20Is, collecting an impressive 65 wickets across formats. His ability to strike with the new ball and in the death overs makes him a vital weapon in UAE’s bowling attack.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Farooq, a 32-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder, strengthens the balance of the side. Having already contributed in both batting and bowling roles, Farooq’s inclusion adds flexibility to the team’s lineup.
Read Also: Asia Cup 2025 Afghanistan unveil squad for upcoming Asia Cup
Core Players Retained
While new faces bring excitement, UAE’s backbone remains intact. Key players include:
- Alishan Sharafu – a reliable top-order option.
- Aryansh Sharma and Rahul Chopra – wicketkeepers who provide depth.
- Muhammad Zohaib – standout performer with the bat in Uganda.
- Saghir Khan – an all-rounder offering balance to both departments.
Under the guidance of head coach Lalchand Rajput, the former India opener, UAE will look to blend youth with experience as they aim to make a strong impression against heavyweight opponents.
Tri-Series Fixtures
All matches are scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM local time in Sharjah.
- Aug 29 – Afghanistan vs Pakistan
- Aug 30 – UAE vs Pakistan
- Sep 1 – UAE vs Afghanistan
- Sep 2 – Afghanistan vs Pakistan
- Sep 4 – UAE vs Pakistan
- Sep 5 – UAE vs Afghanistan
- Sep 7 – Final
The timing of this series couldn’t be better. With the Asia Cup starting just two days after the final, the tri-series acts as an ideal rehearsal for UAE’s players to test combinations and gain confidence before facing the likes of India, Pakistan, and Oman in the group stage.
Why This Series Matters for UAE
For a team like UAE, who are still establishing themselves as a competitive force in global cricket, opportunities like this tri-series are priceless. Playing against full-member nations such as Pakistan and Afghanistan provides exposure to high-pressure environments that Associate teams rarely get.
- Learning Curve: UAE bowlers will be tested against Pakistan’s explosive batting lineup, while their batters will face Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack led by Rashid Khan.
- Platform for Talent: Emerging cricketers such as Aryansh Sharma and Ethan D’Souza can make their mark on the international stage.
- Momentum Builder: A strong performance in this series could carry confidence into the Asia Cup, where UAE will be aiming for upsets.
History has shown that Associate nations often raise their game when given the platform. For instance, UAE’s memorable wins in qualifiers over teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland in the past prove they are capable of causing surprises.
Full UAE Squad for Tri-Series
- Muhammad Waseem (C)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Aryansh Sharma (wk)
- Asif Khan
- Dhruv Parashar
- Ethan D’Souza
- Haider Ali
- Harshit Kaushik
- Junaid Siddique
- Muhammad Farooq
- Muhammad Jawadullah
- Muhammad Zohaib
- Rahul Chopra (wk)
- Rohid Khan
- Saghir Khan
Final Thoughts
UAE’s squad reflects a balanced mix of experience and youth, with the inclusion of seasoned campaigners like Junaid Siddique and exciting prospects like Harshit Kaushik. The tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan will serve as a litmus test of their readiness before the Asia Cup.
If UAE can hold their nerve and deliver disciplined performances, they may well emerge as the dark horses of the tournament. For cricket fans, this Sharjah series is more than just a warm-up—it’s a glimpse into the growing depth and ambition of UAE cricket.
