UAE Tri-Nation Series 2025: Cricket fans in the Gulf region have plenty to look forward to as the trophy for the upcoming T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was unveiled on Thursday at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The glittering silverware was presented in the presence of team captains Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), and Muhammad Waseem (UAE), marking the countdown to an exciting week of international cricket.
A Crucial Warm-Up Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
This tri-nation event, set to run from August 29 to September 7, is more than just a contest for regional bragging rights. It serves as an important preparation platform for the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, which will begin in the UAE just two days after the tri-series concludes.
Originally, Pakistan had planned a bilateral series with Afghanistan in August. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) successfully suggested expanding it into a tri-series and relocating it to Sharjah. The reasoning was clear: giving players from all three teams a chance to adjust to UAE’s playing conditions before the high-profile Asia Cup.
For nations like Pakistan and Afghanistan—where the Asia Cup holds immense prestige—this event offers the perfect stage to test different combinations, evaluate bench strength, and sharpen strategies before meeting heavyweights such as India and Sri Lanka. For the UAE, meanwhile, it is a golden chance to compete with top-tier teams and gain valuable exposure.
UAE Tri-Nation Series 2025: Tournament Format
The format ensures plenty of competitive action:
- Each side will face the other twice in the group stage.
- This guarantees four matches per team before the knockout stage.
- The top two teams on the points table will contest the final on September 7.
All matches are scheduled under lights, starting at 7:00 pm local time, giving the tournament a prime-time feel and maximizing fan attendance at the Sharjah stadium.
Read: Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai Squads, Schedule, Tickets and Everything You Need to Know
Squads at a Glance
Pakistan Squad
- Captain: Salman Ali Agha
- Key Players: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub
- Notable Names: Abrar Ahmed (mystery spinner), Hasan Ali (returning pacer), Sahibzada Farhan (top-order option)
Pakistan’s line-up blends experienced match-winners with youngsters eager to make a mark. The presence of Shaheen Afridi adds firepower, while Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris promise aggression at the top. Expect Pakistan to rotate heavily as they fine-tune their best XI for the Asia Cup.
Afghanistan Squad
- Captain: Rashid Khan
- Key Players: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Emerging Names: AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai
With Rashid Khan at the helm, Afghanistan remains one of the most unpredictable and dangerous sides in T20 cricket. Their spin arsenal—Rashid, Mujeeb, Noor Ahmad, Sharafuddin Ashraf—can dominate conditions in Sharjah, where pitches are known to favor slow bowlers. This tri-series is also an opportunity for Afghanistan to test their batting depth, often cited as their weaker link compared to their world-class bowling.
UAE Squad
- Captain: Muhammad Waseem
- Key Players: Asif Khan, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq
- Youth Prospects: Aryansh Sharma (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’Souza
For the hosts, this tournament is as much about learning as competing. Facing world-class pace from Pakistan and mystery spin from Afghanistan will push their young players into a steep but valuable learning curve. With Muhammad Waseem’s explosive batting and Asif Khan’s consistency, UAE has the potential to spring a surprise or two.
Full Fixture List
- August 29 – Afghanistan vs Pakistan – 7:00 pm
- August 30 – UAE vs Pakistan – 7:00 pm
- September 1 – UAE vs Afghanistan – 7:00 pm
- September 2 – Pakistan vs Afghanistan – 7:00 pm
- September 4 – Pakistan vs UAE – 7:00 pm
- September 5 – Afghanistan vs UAE – 7:00 pm
- September 7 – Final – 7:00 pm
Why This Series Matters
For Pakistan
The focus will be on team balance. With the Asia Cup looming, Pakistan will want to lock in its batting order and bowling combinations. Questions remain around their middle-order consistency and death bowling options. This tri-series provides the perfect rehearsal.
For Afghanistan
They are tipped as dark horses for the Asia Cup, thanks to their world-class bowling. The tri-series allows Afghanistan to test young talent like Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli, while giving veterans like Nabi and Naib match practice.
For UAE
The tournament is a rare chance to showcase their cricketing growth on home soil. Facing two Test nations back-to-back will highlight gaps they need to close but will also give their youngsters exposure to big-match pressure.
Sharjah’s Legacy as Host
The choice of Sharjah is symbolic. The ground has hosted some of the most memorable encounters in Asian cricket history, especially between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent years. The smaller boundaries and slow-bowling-friendly tracks promise entertaining contests, likely dominated by spin duels and power-hitting in the death overs.
Final Word
The unveiling of the trophy has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tri-series in Sharjah. While silverware is on the line, the bigger picture is preparation for the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan will look to reassert dominance, Afghanistan will aim to send a strong warning to the continent, and UAE will hope to leave a lasting impression.
For fans, it’s the perfect appetizer before the main course the Asia Cup itself. Under the Sharjah floodlights, cricket lovers can expect drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
