The wait is finally over! The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially announced their 17-member squad for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025, which will kick off on September 9, 2025 in Abu Dhabi. This is a huge moment for UAE cricket as they get set to host and compete against Asia’s top teams.
UAE’s Captain for Asia Cup 2025
The team will be led by their star batter and prolific opener Muhammad Waseem, who has been the backbone of UAE cricket in the last few years.
- Matches as UAE Captain (T20Is): 54
- Wins as Captain: 34
- Total Runs as Captain: 1,848
- Batting Average as Captain: 37.71
- Overall T20I Stats: 80 matches, 2,859 runs, average 38.12, strike rate 156.31
Waseem leadership has been a major reason behind UAE’s recent rise in international cricket. His ability to lead from the front with explosive batting will be crucial when they face giants like India and Pakistan.
“This is a golden opportunity for UAE cricket to showcase our talent on the big stage in front of home fans. We are ready to give our best,” said Muhammad Waseem ahead of the tournament.
UAE Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Here’s the complete 17-member squad that will represent UAE in the Asia Cup 2025:
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Muhammad Waseem (C) | Captain |
| Alishan Sharafu | Batter |
| Aryansh Sharma | Wicketkeeper |
| Asif Khan | Batter |
| Dhruv Parashar | All-Rounder |
| Ethan D’Souza | Batter |
| Haider Ali | Bowler |
| Harshit Kaushik | All-Rounder |
| Junaid Siddique | All-Rounder |
| Matiullah Khan | Bowler |
| Muhammad Farooq | All-Rounder |
| Muhammad Jawadullah | Bowler |
| Muhammad Zohaib | Batter |
| Rahul Chopra | Wicketkeeper |
| Rohid Khan | Bowler |
| Simranjeet Singh | Bowler |
| Saghir Khan | All-Rounder |
Two new additions — Matiullah Khan (fast bowler) and Simranjeet Singh (left-arm spinner) — have been included in the squad and will be eager to make an impact.
UAE’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
| Date | Match | Group | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 10 | India vs UAE | Group A | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 8:00 PM |
| September 15 | UAE vs Oman | Group A | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 8:00 PM |
| September 18 | Pakistan vs UAE | Group A | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 8:00 PM |
UAE are in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, and Oman. The top two teams from this group will progress to the Super Four stage.
Why This Asia Cup Is Crucial for UAE
This is UAE’s first Asia Cup appearance since 2016, and playing at home gives them a unique advantage. The team is hoping to use local conditions to put up competitive performances against much stronger teams.
Their opening clash against defending champions India on September 10 will be one of the most-watched matches of the group stage, followed by another high-pressure game against Pakistan on September 18.
Key Things to Watch
- Muhammad Waseem’s Batting: Can he provide the explosive starts and inspire UAE to upset wins?
- Young Players’ Impact: Aryansh Sharma and Ethan D’Souza will have a chance to make a mark on the big stage.
- Bowling Attack: Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah will be crucial in restricting strong batting lineups.
The UAE team looks well-balanced with a mix of experienced players and youngsters. Hosting the Asia Cup 2025 is a proud moment for UAE cricket, and fans will be hoping for memorable performances that put Emirati cricket on the global map.
