Men’s Asia Cup

[ghazi52]

Asia Cup 2025 to be held from September 9-28 in UAE, Mohsin Naqvi confirms​

Naqvi says detailed schedule of the Asia Cup will be released soon

BR Web Desk
July 26, 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday confirmed dates for the Asia Cup 2025, saying the tournament will take place from September 9 to 28 in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Whereas, in his statement on social media account X, Naqvi said detailed schedule of the Asia Cup will be released soon.

“I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket! Detailed Schedule will be out soon,” he tweeted.







ACC Annual General Meeting on July 24 was chaired by the ACC president and attended by all 25 members in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The meeting had approved the tournament calendar for 2025–2026, “in line with ACC’s sustained commitment to delivering structured development and high-quality cricketing opportunities across its member countries,” the ACC had said in a press release.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has finally “given” the green light to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), paving the way for the Indian cricket team to play matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, Aaj News reported.

Eight teams will participate in the event, including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the UAE, Oman and Hong Kong.

According to Indian media, there were some differences between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, which have now been resolved amicably, after which major obstacles to the tournament plan have been removed.

Speaking to media after the ACC annual meeting, Naqvi had said discussions with the BCCI were ongoing and expressed confidence that all matters related to the Asia Cup 2025 will be resolved soon.

 

[ghazi52]

Indian team gets ‘green light’ to play against Pakistan in Asia Cup​

Eight teams to participate in event, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh

BR Web Desk
July 26, 2025

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has finally “given” the green light to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), paving the way for the Indian cricket team to play matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, Aaj News reported.

Eight teams will participate in the event, including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Hong Kong.

According to Indian media, there were some differences between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, which have now been resolved amicably, after which major obstacles to the tournament plan have been removed.


Speaking to media after the ACC Annual General Meeting on July 24 , Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi had said discussions with the BCCI were ongoing and expressed confidence that all matters related to the Asia Cup 2025 will be resolved soon.

“The environment was positive and constructive. No one wants politics; we are all here to work for cricket,” Naqvi had said.

ACC annual meeting, which was chaired by the ACC president and attended by all 25 members in Dhaka, Bangladesh, had approved the tournament calendar for 2025–2026, “in line with ACC’s sustained commitment to high-quality cricketing opportunities across its member countries,” the ACC had said in a press release.

In a significant late development, the BCCI had chosen to participate in the ACC Annual General Meeting virtually, reversing its earlier position amid ongoing political tensions in the region. Indian media had previously reported that the board might skip the meeting due to strained diplomatic ties with Bangladesh and Pakistan.

India currently holds the official hosting rights for the 2025 edition of the Asia Cup. However, given the sensitivities involved, particularly following heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan in May, hosting the event in the UAE was floated as a compromise.

The Indian media even reported last month that the board had decided to pull out of the tournament - a rumour soon rejected by the BCCI officials.

Meanwhile, Naqvi on Saturday confirmed dates for the Asia Cup 2025, saying the tournament will take place from September 9 to 28.

Whereas, in his statement on social media account X, Naqvi said detailed schedule of the Asia Cup will be released soon.

 

[El Sidd]

Money rules them all.

 

[PK781]

beghairats of the biggest kind if they still want to play the enemy.
i guess all those civilian and military deaths don't mean anything to these assholes as long its not their household that got bombed eh.

aajkal musalmanon aur bohot saray pakistaniyon mein ghairat ki sabse zyada kami hai. Inki entertainment chalni chahiyay baqi jayen bhaar mei.

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

Afghanistan name squad for Tri-series, Asia Cup​

Rashid Khan will lead the side in both competitions

AFP
August 24, 2025

Photo: Afghanistan Cricket Board

KABUL: Fast-rising Afghanistan announced a spin-heavy squad on Sunday led by Rashid Khan for the T20 tri-series and Asia Cup to be played in the United Arab Emirates.

Along with Khan, Afghanistan will have Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar and Mohammad Nabi in the spin department as they play their first Twenty20 internationals this year.

The tri-series, also involving Pakistan and hosts the UAE, starts in Sharjah on Friday, while the six-nation Asia Cup begins on September 9.

The 19-year-old Ghazanfar has yet to play a T20I but has made rapid strides in domestic matches in that format and one-day internationals.

Afghanistan lost in the semi-finals at last year's men's T20I World Cup in the United States and West Indies but have not played a single T20I since the start of 2025.
Fazlhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib are the fast-bowling options.

Afghanistan face Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-series on Friday.

For the Asia Cup, Afghanistan are drawn in Group B with Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

Defending champions India, Oman, Pakistan and UAE are in Group A.

Afghanistan face Hong Kong in the opening match of the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi on September 9.

Afghanistan also announced a series of three one-day internationals and three T20Is with Bangladesh after the Asia Cup, also in the UAE.

The T20Is are on October 2, 3 and 5 in Sharjah, while the ODIs will be played from 8-14 in Abu Dhabi.

Squad:
Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad faces weight of expectations​

The question remains: has PCB finally struck the right balance, or is this another gamble?

Muhammad Usman Shahzad
August 28, 2025

Pakistan have opted to a rely on young guns during the upcoming Asia Cup instead of experience.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s recently announced squad has once again sparked debates among fans and experts alike.

With a mix of youthful talent and bold exclusions, the selection raises an important question: has the PCB finally struck the right balance, or is this another gamble on the big stage?

The PCB confirmed Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming tri-series against UAE and Afghanistan, followed by the Asia Cup 2025. On paper, the side looks fresh, energetic, and hungry to prove itself. Yet, for a tournament of this magnitude—where Pakistan has not lifted the trophy since 2012—the absence of experience looms large.

Since Pakistan’s last Asia Cup win, Sri Lanka have claimed titles in 2014 and 2022, while India dominated in 2016, 2018, and 2023. Pakistan came close in 2022, under Babar Azam’s leadership, but lost the final from a winning position.

A year later, under his leadership, the team crashed out in fourth place. That painful history makes this squad announcement all the more significant.

No two omissions have created more noise than those of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Both were once seen as the backbone of Pakistan’s T20I side, but the stats reveal why the selectors chose a different path.

Babar last played a T20I in 2024, and since that year’s T20 World Cup, he has gone 10 matches — including the mega event — without scoring a single fifty. His strike rate in this period is 118.59 at an average of 26.22.

Rizwan’s case is even worse. In his last 8 T20Is, he managed just 211 runs at a strike rate of 94.19. His knocks of 16 off 26 against Australia, 74 off 62 against South Africa, and 31 off 44 against India in the T20 World Cup were game-changing—but for the wrong reasons.

These numbers show why the selectors felt justified in moving on. For too long, Pakistan’s top order has been accused of playing “anchor cricket” in a format that demands fearless hitting.

In their place, Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Haris bring a refreshing intent. Farhan, with three Player of the Match awards in his last six T20Is, has shown he can deliver under pressure. Haris, too, has the aggressive mindset Pakistan’s batting has been crying out for.

 

[ghazi52]

The bowling department looks balanced. Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the attack with form and confidence, having topped the wicket charts in the PSL 10. In contrast, Naseem Shah’s exclusion seems harsh to some fans, but the numbers are telling—an economy rate of 8.01 and an average of 34.68 in T20Is does not inspire confidence. His ODI performances may be solid, but in T20 cricket, he remains costly.

The spin department could prove decisive, especially in UAE conditions. Mohammad Nawaz’s all-round utility, along with Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, offers flexibility.

Pakistan’s middle order finally shows signs of balance. Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, and Khushdil Shah are capable of finishing games with power. Yet, the key lies with Salman Ali Agha, the newly appointed skipper. His ability to anchor chases, rotate strike, and handle spin will be vital in UAE conditions. This leadership test could define not just Pakistan’s Asia Cup but also his captaincy career.

Dropping big names like Babar and Rizwan is never easy. For years, they were considered “untouchables” in Pakistan cricket. But cricket is a game of evolution, and their inability to adapt to the modern T20 tempo made this move inevitable.

Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 carries the energy of youth, the sharpness of new talent, and a clear intent to play fearless cricket. But the real question remains: will this new look side rise to the occasion, or will inexperience cost Pakistan another shot at silverware?

One thing is certain—all eyes will be on this squad. And if they click, the Asia Cup drought since 2012 may finally come to an end.

 

[ghazi52]

ECB hopeful of Pakistan–India Asia Cup clash despite boycott fears​

ECB COO assured fans that India–Pakistan Asia Cup matches in the UAE will go ahead, with ticketing details to follow

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Saleem KhaliqAugust 28, 20252 min read
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The first Pakistan–India clash is scheduled for September 14, with a possible second on the 21st, and if both teams reach the final, a third encounter could also take place.

KARACHI: The Emirates Cricket Board has dismissed fears of India boycotting the match against Pakistan. According to Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed, all boards confirmed participation in the Asia Cup only after receiving approval from their respective governments. While a 100% guarantee cannot be given, there is strong hope the match will take place.

Details reveal that under India’s hosting, the Asia Cup will be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28. Before this, the Pakistan team will participate in a triangular series with Afghanistan and the UAE.

The Emirates Cricket Board is continuing full preparations for the Asia Cup. The first Pakistan–India clash is scheduled for September 14, with a possible second on the 21st, and if both teams reach the final, a third encounter could also take place.

Speaking exclusively to Express Tribune, Subhan Ahmed said, “Our preparations are complete, and we will provide fans with an opportunity to enjoy top-quality cricket.”

He added that all participating teams confirmed entry into the Asia Cup only after their governments’ approval.

“Although nothing can be guaranteed with 100% certainty, we are hopeful that the Indian team will also play against Pakistan,” he added.

 

[ghazi52]

Pacer Salman Mirza aims to excel against India in Asia Cup​

The rivalry will carry extra edge following the recent military tensions between the two neighbours

Telecomasia
August 28, 2025

PHOTO: SALMAN MIRZA FACEBOOK PAGE

LAHORE: Pakistan’s latest pace sensation Salman Mirza has vowed to take the fight to India’s explosive top order in the upcoming Asia Cup, declaring that he and his teammates are ready for the pressure of facing their fiercest rival.

The rivalry will carry extra edge following the recent military tensions between the two neighbours after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, on the Indian side of Kashmir, earlier in May.

The cricketing clash is expected to be one of the most-watched events of the year.

Mirza in an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport said:

"I’ll target India’s fiery top order.

Mirza, who burst onto the scene with Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, says he relishes the chance to bowl against India’s batting stars."

"A lot of us will be playing against India for the first time, and we know it’s a pressure game – but that’s where you learn and grow. I know they have a very aggressive and fiery top order.

"As a fast bowler, that’s exactly where I’ll focus. We are confident we can do well against India."

The reigning world T20I champions, India, enter the Asia Cup as favourites. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the eight-time winners boast an aggressive batting line-up and a potent spin attack – a combination well-suited to the slow, turning surfaces of the UAE.

 

[dabbu]

Hopefully this cricket once more brings normalization in relations, given what's happening in both sides with floods

 

[ghazi52]

Men’s Asia Cup 2025 tickets go on sale for cricket fans​

Dawn.com
August 29, 2025

The tickets for the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 — including the much-awaited Pakistan-India clash — are now available for sale, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) said on Friday.

According to the board, the tickets are being sold starting from 40 dirhams (PKR 3,069.51) for the matches in Abu Dhabi and 50 (PKR 3,836.89) dirhams for the ones in Dubai.

“Tickets for the most sought-after India v Pakistan match will initially be available in a seven-match tickets package starting at 1,400 [dirhams] (PKR 10,743.28),” the ECB announced.

It said fans could buy separate (standalone) tickets for each of the remaining matches not included in the seven-match ticket package.

The board said that, in the coming days, tickets will also be made available at the ticket booths at both the Dubai International Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi — the details of which will be announced in due course.

The Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan are set to compete in the Asia Cup that runs from Sept 9 to 28 in the UAE. The Green-shirts are in Group ‘A’ alongside arch-rivals and defending champions India, Oman and the UAE while Group ‘B’ comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. The matches will be staged in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The eight-team tournament will kick off on Sept 9, with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

India’s sports ministry has declared that India and Pakistan would not have any bilateral sporting ties even on neutral venues as per an unprecedented new policy but the cricket team would not be stopped from playing the Asia Cup next month as it is a multi-lateral engagement.

 

[ghazi52]

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[PK781]

Pakistan has just defeated Afghanistan in the t20.

But given that "operation sindoor" still ongoing, how are they playing cricket??

mera dua hai ke sab cancel hojaye

 

[ghazi52]

All squads announced for 2025 Men's Asia Cup​

All eight teams have confirmed their squads for the 2025 Asia Cup in UAE

Sports Desk
September 05, 2025

Mohammad Nawaz in action against India during the 2022 Asia Cup. PHOTO: AFP

The 2025 Men's Asia Cup will take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, with eight teams competing in the T20I format. The tournament will also serve as key preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled next year in India and Sri Lanka.

The event will begin with two groups of four teams each. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Oman, and hosts UAE, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, with the best two sides meeting in the Final.

All the competing teams have already confirmed their squads for the tournament, showcasing a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars.

All squads:

Group A:

Pakistan:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

UAE:
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.

Oman:
Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla, Sufyan Yousuf, Ashish Odedera, Aamir Kaleem, Mohammed Nadeem, Sufyan Mehmood, Aryan Bisht, Karan Sonavale, Zikriya Islam, Hassnain Ali Shah, Faisal Shah, Muhammed Imran, Nadeem Khan, Shakeel Ahmad, Samay Shrivastava.

Group B:

Afghanistan:
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Bangladesh:
Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin.

Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

Hong Kong:
Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali, Niazakat Khan Mohammad, Nasrulla Rana, Martin Coetzee, Anshuman Rath, Kalhan Marc Challu, Ayush Ashish Shukla, Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ateeq ul Rehman Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Adil Mehmood, Haroon Mohammad Arshad, Ali Hassan, Shahid Wasif, Ghazanfar Mohammad, Mohammad Waheed, Anas Khan, Ehsan Khan.