The United Arab Emirates has unveiled its 17-member squad for the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025, with prolific opener Muhammad Waseem once again taking charge as captain. The announcement comes just days before the tournament kicks off on September 9, with matches scheduled to take place across Dubai and Abu Dhabi until September 28.
Placed in Group A alongside cricketing giants India and Pakistan, as well as regional rivals Oman, the UAE faces one of the toughest challenges in the tournament. But with a mix of experience, youthful energy, and a couple of fresh inclusions, the hosts will be looking to spring a few surprises on home soil.
UAE Squad Overview: Blend of Experience and New Faces
The UAE selectors have opted for continuity, sticking largely with the core group currently competing in the T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, two players have been drafted in to strengthen specific departments.
- Matiullah Khan – A 32-year-old right-arm pacer who has represented the UAE in one ODI and five T20Is. Though his last appearance came in July 2024 against Nigeria in the Pearl of Africa Series, his return offers depth to the pace attack.
- Simranjeet Singh – At 35, the left-arm spinner brings maturity and control to the bowling unit. Having last played in the Gulf T20I Championship in December 2024, his experience in pressure situations could be invaluable, especially against strong batting lineups like India’s and Pakistan’s.
These inclusions suggest that the UAE is keen on balancing their attack with both pace and spin options, ensuring versatility in different match conditions.
Full UAE Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Muhammad Waseem (captain)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper)
- Asif Khan
- Dhruv Parashar
- Ethan D’Souza
- Haider Ali
- Harshit Kaushik
- Junaid Siddique
- Matiullah Khan
- Muhammad Farooq
- Muhammad Jawadullah
- Muhammad Zohaib
- Rahul Chopra (wicketkeeper)
- Rohid Khan
- Simranjeet Singh
- Saghir Khan
Support Staff
- Amjad Ezzi (Team Manager)
- Lalchand Rajput (Head Coach)
- Azharuddin Qureshi (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
- Manipreet Sidhu (Video Analyst)
- Naveed Ahmad (Fielding Coach)
- Darshan Singh (Side-Armer)
- Manish Pradeshi (Physiotherapist)
Read More: Will Kuldeep Yadav Make India’s XI in Asia Cup 2025?
Key Players to Watch
- Muhammad Waseem – Known for his aggressive starts, Waseem’s captaincy and batting form will define UAE’s campaign. He has often been the team’s most consistent run-scorer in T20Is.
- Asif Khan – A powerful middle-order batter capable of accelerating in the death overs, Asif provides stability and firepower.
- Junaid Siddique – Among the fastest bowlers in Associate cricket, Siddique’s ability to generate pace and bounce will be crucial against world-class batters.
- Aryansh Sharma & Rahul Chopra – With two wicketkeepers in the squad, UAE not only secures depth in the keeping department but also boosts batting options.
Tournament Format and Group Dynamics
The Asia Cup 2025 will once again be contested in the T20 format. UAE, as hosts, find themselves in Group A, facing:
- India – A star-studded team, boasting world-class batting depth and versatile bowling.
- Pakistan – Traditionally strong in UAE conditions, Pakistan will be a tough hurdle with their formidable pace attack.
- Oman – A familiar Gulf rival, Oman’s rapid rise in recent years makes them a tricky opposition for UAE.
Only the top teams from each group will progress to the Super 4 stage, making every group match effectively a knockout for the hosts.
Can UAE Create an Upset?
While UAE will enter as underdogs, playing at home could work to their advantage. They are familiar with the conditions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where pitches often assist spinners and reward disciplined bowling.
History shows that Associate nations have occasionally stunned full-member teams in ICC tournaments. For example, UAE themselves shocked New Zealand in the 2023 T20I series. With players like Waseem and Asif Khan in form, and seasoned bowlers like Simranjeet Singh returning, the team could pull off a memorable win against a heavyweight side.
Expert Insight: The Importance of Depth
One notable improvement in this squad is the balance between batting and bowling resources. Previous UAE squads often leaned heavily on batting firepower but lacked depth in spin or death-over specialists. With Simranjeet Singh adding variation to the spin department and Matiullah Khan strengthening the pace reserves, this squad looks better equipped to handle the high-pressure situations of an Asia Cup.
However, questions remain over bench strength. If key players like Waseem or Siddique struggle, will the younger names step up? The Asia Cup will be the perfect testing ground for talents such as Ethan D’Souza and Harshit Kaushik.
UAE’s Match Schedule (Asia Cup 2025 – Group A)
- September 10: UAE vs India (Dubai)
- September 14: UAE vs Pakistan (Abu Dhabi)
- September 18: UAE vs Oman (Dubai)
If UAE advances, they will compete in the Super 4 matches beginning on September 21.
Final Thoughts
The UAE’s Asia Cup 2025 squad showcases a strategic blend of proven performers and experienced returnees. While their path to the Super 4 will be challenging given the presence of India and Pakistan, the team has the tools to push for an upset. Playing in familiar conditions, supported by home fans, and driven by a motivated leadership group, the hosts have a chance to leave a lasting impression on the tournament.
For UAE cricket, this campaign is not just about competing it’s about proving they can stand tall on one of Asia’s biggest cricketing stages.
