UAE Squad for Asia Cup 2025 Announced, Waseem to Lead
The Asia Cup 2025 is finally here, and this time it will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates. The tournament will take place from September 9 to 28, 2025, across two of the region’s most famous cricket venues – the Dubai International Stadium and the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
This is not just another cricket competition. For the UAE, it is a chance to show the world that it can host large sporting events while also giving its national team an opportunity to face some of the strongest cricket sides in Asia.
The Emirates Cricket Board has announced a 17-player squad for the tournament, with Muhammad Waseem leading the team. Waseem is one of the most consistent players in UAE cricket, known for his explosive batting style. His leadership will be vital as UAE take on cricket giants like India and Pakistan, as well as their Gulf neighbors Oman.
Muhammad Waseem leads a balanced UAE team
The squad announced for the Asia Cup shows a balance of experience and young energy. Captain Muhammad Waseem will open the batting and try to give UAE strong starts. Alongside him are players like Asif Khan and Alishan Sharafu, who can steady the innings when needed.
The middle order includes talents such as Ethan D’Souza, Dhruv Parashar, and Haider Ali, giving the batting line-up depth. Behind the stumps, wicketkeeping duties will be shared by Aryansh Sharma and Rahul Chopra, providing flexibility.
The bowling unit looks promising, with pace spearheaded by Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah. Both can trouble batters with speed and swing. The spin department has options like Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, and Matiullah Khan, giving the team a good mix of attack.
This team reflects the UAE’s growth in cricket, where it is no longer just about a few key players but about a squad capable of producing match-winning performances in different situations.
Experienced support staff behind the UAE players
A good cricket team is not just about players. The support staff plays a huge role in preparing the squad for big tournaments.
The UAE team will be guided by Lalchand Rajput, a coach with international experience who has worked with India in the past. His knowledge of high-pressure tournaments will help the UAE side stay calm and focused.
Other key staff include Amjad Ezzi as team manager and Azharuddin Qureshi as strength and conditioning coach, making sure players remain fit during the busy schedule. Naveed Ahmad will work on improving the team’s fielding, while Manipreet Sidhu will provide video analysis of opponents. Darshan Singh will assist in practice as a side-armer, and Manish Pradeshi will ensure players’ health as the team physiotherapist.
Together, this support staff provides the foundation that the players need to compete at their best.
UAE’s group stage challenge in Asia Cup 2025
UAE is placed in Group A, along with India, Pakistan, and Oman. It is a tough group, but also a great chance for UAE to test itself against top-quality opposition.
Their first game will be on Wednesday, September 10, at the Dubai International Stadium, against India. This will be the biggest game of the group stage for UAE, as India is one of the strongest cricket nations in the world.
The second match will be on Monday, September 15, against Oman in Abu Dhabi. This game will be very important for UAE’s chances of reaching the next stage.
The third and final group match will take place on Wednesday, September 17, when UAE face Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium. Pakistan is a team full of world-class players, and this match will be another big test for UAE.
The top two teams from each group will move forward to the Super Four stage, starting from Sunday, September 21. From there, the competition will build towards the final in Dubai on Sunday, September 28.
The importance of hosting Asia Cup in UAE
Hosting the Asia Cup shows how important the UAE has become in the cricketing world. With its modern stadiums, strong facilities, and passionate fans, the Emirates has already hosted many global tournaments. The Asia Cup 2025 is another step in building the country’s sporting reputation.
This year’s tournament is also being held in the UAE because of political tensions between India and Pakistan. Travel between the two countries is restricted, making the UAE the perfect neutral ground. Once again, the Emirates has proven its role as a trusted host for high-profile events.
Why the UAE team matters in this Asia Cup
For cricket fans in the UAE, this tournament means more than just hosting. It gives their national team a chance to shine on the global stage. Playing against top teams will allow UAE cricketers to learn, grow, and improve.
Players like Muhammad Waseem, Asif Khan, and Junaid Siddique have already shown they can perform in big matches. Now, the Asia Cup offers them a platform to do it in front of packed stadiums and millions watching worldwide.
For younger players in the UAE, this is also a source of inspiration. Seeing their national team compete in such a tournament proves that the sport is growing in the country and that opportunities will continue to come for future talent.
The road ahead: Super Four and the grand finale
If UAE manages to reach the Super Four, it would be a huge achievement. In this stage, the two top teams from each group will play against each other to decide the finalists.
The matches will continue in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the final set for Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Stadium. A reserve day is kept for Monday, September 29, in case of rain or unexpected delays.
The journey to the final will be tough, but for the UAE, even reaching the Super Four would mark a milestone in their cricket journey.
UAE ready to showcase cricketing spirit
The Asia Cup 2025 is more than just a tournament for the UAE. It is a celebration of cricket in the Middle East, an opportunity for local fans to see their heroes in action, and a chance for the UAE team to compete against the best.
With Muhammad Waseem as captain, a strong squad of talented players, and experienced support staff, the UAE enters the competition with hope and determination. While the road ahead will be tough, the spirit of cricket in the Emirates is stronger than ever.
From Dubai’s electric atmosphere to Abu Dhabi’s passion for the game, the UAE is ready to deliver an unforgettable edition of the Asia Cup.
