The Asia Cup 2025 begins on Tuesday, 9 September, in the United Arab Emirates, with Pakistan aiming for their third overall title and first in the T20I format. The tournament runs until 28 September, featuring eight teams across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Pakistan, placed in Group A alongside India, Oman and UAE, will begin their campaign against Oman on 12 September.
Pakistan squad and preparation
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 17-member Pakistan Asia Cup squad led by Salman Ali Agha. Key names include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, and Haris Rauf. Nawaz, who starred in the recent Sharjah tri-series with 120 runs and 10 wickets, enters as one of Pakistan’s most in-form all-rounders.
Since Mike Hesson took over as head coach, the Pakistan cricket team has played 14 T20Is, winning 10, including series victories over Bangladesh (3-0) and West Indies (2-1). Most recently, Pakistan lifted the Sharjah tri-series trophy with a dominant win over Afghanistan on 7 September.
Hesson praised his side’s momentum, saying:
“Winning a final under pressure before heading into the Asia Cup was very important for us. Mohammad Nawaz has been outstanding, and Fakhar Zaman is adapting his game with great maturity. The focus will be on staying consistent through the group stage and Super Fours.”
Tournament format and groups
The ACC Asia Cup 2025 will feature eight teams divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, Oman, UAE
- Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong
The top two teams from each group advance to the Super Four, where they face each other in a round-robin stage. The top two sides then progress to the final on 28 September in Dubai.
Pakistan’s group stage fixtures:
- 12 Sept – vs Oman (Dubai, 6:30pm local)
- 14 Sept – vs India (Dubai, 6:30pm local)
- 17 Sept – vs UAE (Dubai, 6:30pm local)
If both Pakistan and India qualify for the Super Four and final, fans could witness three Pakistan vs India Asia Cup 2025 clashes within two weeks (14, 21 and 28 September).
History and outlook
Pakistan last won the Asia Cup in 2012 in Bangladesh and earlier in 2000, also in Bangladesh. However, both titles came in the ODI format. The team lost to Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20I Asia Cup final in Dubai, a defeat they will be eager to avenge this year.
With a balanced mix of experienced players and rising stars, Pakistan enters the tournament confident but cautious. As Hesson put it, “The side that handles the challenges best will win the tournament.”
