The UAE has announced a full-strength 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with Muhammad Waseem set to captain the side. Two new players have been added to the squad as the team prepares to compete in Group A alongside cricketing heavyweights India and Pakistan, as well as regional rival Oman. The tournament will be hosted across Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28.
Squad overview: Key players and inclusions
UAE’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup features a mix of experience and new talent. Prolific opener Muhammad Waseem will lead the team, with Aryansh Sharma and Rahul Chopra designated as the two wicketkeepers. The 17-man squad is largely unchanged from the ongoing T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the exception of two additions.New additions include:
- Matiullah Khan: A 32-year-old right-arm fast bowler who has represented UAE in one ODI and five T20Is. His last appearance came against Nigeria during the Pearl of Africa Series in July.
Simranjeet Singh : A 35-year-old left-arm spinner who brings in more experience, having played five ODIs and 11 T20Is. He last played for UAE in the Gulf T20I Championship in December 2024.
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 and Saghir Khan.Support Staff: Amjad Ezzi (team manager), Lalchand Rajput (head coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (strength and conditioning coach), Manipreet Sidhu (video analyst), Naveed Ahmad (fielding coach), Darshan Singh (Side-Armer) and Manish Pradeshi (physiotherapist)
Tournament format and group details
UAE is placed in Group A of the 2025 Asia Cup. The group also features India, Pakistan, and Oman. All matches will be played in the T20 format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Four stage.Group A Teams:UAE has faced India and Pakistan previously but has not secured a victory against either in any format. However, they have had success against Oman, winning five T20I matches against them in past encounters.UAE’s Previous Asia Cup Appearance: The last time UAE played in the Asia Cup was in 2016, when the tournament was held in the T20 format in Bangladesh.Match schedule: UAE’s roadmapThe Asia Cup will be played across two venues — Dubai International Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium — from September 9 to 28, 2025. Dubai will host 11 matches, while Abu Dhabi will host 8.UAE Group Stage Matches:
- Wednesday, 10 September – India vs UAE, Dubai – 6:30 PM
- Monday, 15 September – UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday, 17 September – Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai – 6:30 PM
Super Four Matches (for top two teams from each group):
- Sunday, 21 September – A1 vs A2, Dubai – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday, 23 September – A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, 24 September – A1 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30 PM
- Thursday, 25 September – A2 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30 PM
- Friday, 26 September – A1 vs B1, Dubai – 6:30 PM
- Sunday, 28 September – Final, Dubai – 6:30 PM
- Monday, 29 September – Reserve Day
Rest Days:
- Monday, 22 September
- Saturday, 27 September
Hosting and venue details
The Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the United Arab Emirates, with matches scheduled across two premier venues: Dubai International Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Dubai will host 11 matches, while Abu Dhabi will host 8, including group stage and Super Four fixtures.The UAE was chosen as the host for its world-class infrastructure, familiar playing conditions, and successful track record of organising high-profile international cricket tournaments. Its central location and facilities make it a practical choice for accommodating teams and broadcasting requirements.The tournament will run from September 9 to 28, with the final set to be played in Dubai on Sunday, September 28 and a reserve day scheduled for Monday, September 29.