DUBAI: With spirits high after their recent tri-series triumph in Sharjah, Pakistan are set to launch their Asia Cup 2025 campaign tomorrow, eyeing a historic first T20I title in the prestigious continental event.
Pakistan, two-time Asia Cup champions (2000 and 2012 in ODIs), enter the tournament with renewed confidence under head coach Mike Hesson. The Men in Green will open their campaign against Oman on 12 September at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium before taking on arch-rivals India in a high-voltage clash on 14 September. Their final group-stage test will be against hosts UAE on 17 September.
This year’s Asia Cup brings together eight teams split into two groups. Pakistan, India, Oman, and UAE make up Group A, while Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and defending champions Sri Lanka. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the Super Four, leading up to the grand finale on 28 September in Dubai.
The 17-member Pakistan squad is a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces, with ten players having previous Asia Cup experience. Star all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, who excelled in the tri-series with 120 runs and 10 wickets, remains the only squad member to feature in both the 2016 and 2022 T20I editions.
Coach Hesson, reflecting on the team’s recent form, expressed satisfaction:
“Winning a final under pressure before heading into the Asia Cup was very important for us. Nawaz has been outstanding, while Fakhar Zaman’s return from injury has strengthened our batting. This team has the ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.”
Since Hesson’s appointment, Pakistan have won 10 out of 14 T20Is, including series victories against Bangladesh and the West Indies, along with the Sharjah tri-series crown.
With momentum on their side, Pakistan now look poised to write a new chapter in their Asia Cup journey — and possibly bring the trophy home for the first time in the T20 format.
Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
Key Fixtures:
- 12 Sept – Pakistan vs Oman (Dubai)
- 14 Sept – Pakistan vs India (Dubai)
- 17 Sept – Pakistan vs UAE (Dubai)
- 20–26 Sept – Super Four stage (Dubai/Abu Dhabi)
- 28 Sept – Final (Dubai)
