UAE squad for T20 tri-series against Pakistan, Afghanistan announced ahead of Asia Cup 2025
T20I Tri-Series Squad Announced for UAE National Cricket Team
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled the T20I squad for the UAE National Cricket Team, with veteran batsman Muhammad Waseem appointed as the captain. The 15-member squad will compete in the upcoming Tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in preparation for the Asia Cup 2025.
Tri-Series to Boost Preparation for Asia Cup 2025
The T20I series involving the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Afghanistan aims to help the teams gear up for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, set to be played in the T20 format from September 9 to 28 in the UAE. The tournament will feature eight teams, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and others.
UAE and Pakistan are placed in Group A, while Afghanistan is in Group B. The Tri-series will kick off with Afghanistan facing Pakistan on August 29, followed by matches between UAE and Pakistan on August 30. The series will continue with matches scheduled until the final on September 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Squad Updates and Key Players
The UAE squad sees new additions with the inclusion of Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, and Muhammad Jawadullah, while Akif Raja, Matiullah Khan, and Zuhaib Zubair have been left out. Siddique and Jawadullah bring extensive experience to the team, having played numerous ODIs and T20Is for the UAE.
Head coach Lalchand Rajput and skipper Muhammad Waseem will rely on the familiar faces in the squad to deliver strong performances in the Tri-series. The team is aiming to gain momentum heading into the Asia Cup 2025, with a focus on showcasing their skills on home soil.
UAE T20I Tri-Series Squad 2025
The squad for the UAE National Cricket Team in the T20I Tri-Series includes Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, and others. The support staff comprises key individuals like team manager Amjad Ezzi, head coach Lalchand Rajput, strength and conditioning coach Azharuddin Qureshi, video analyst Manipreet Sidhu, and physiotherapist Manish Pradeshi.
With a blend of experienced players and fresh talent, the UAE National Cricket Team is gearing up to compete fiercely in the Tri-series, aiming for a strong performance to set the tone for the Asia Cup 2025. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting display of skills and sportsmanship as the teams battle it out on the field in the upcoming matches.
Strategies and Expectations for the Tri-Series
As the UAE National Cricket Team prepares for the T20I Tri-Series, there are several key strategies and expectations in place to ensure a competitive showing against Pakistan and Afghanistan. With Muhammad Waseem leading the squad, the team will focus on solid batting performances, strategic bowling tactics, and agile fielding to secure victories in the series.
One area of emphasis for the UAE team will be their batting lineup, with players like Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan expected to play crucial roles in setting up competitive totals. Sharafu, known for his aggressive strokeplay, will be tasked with providing quick runs at the top of the order, while Khan’s ability to anchor the innings will be vital in building partnerships and ensuring a strong foundation.
On the bowling front, the UAE team will rely on the pace and accuracy of bowlers like Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Farooq to stifle opposition batsmen and pick up key wickets. Siddique, with his ability to swing the ball both ways, will be a valuable asset in the powerplay overs, while Farooq’s variations and clever changes of pace will be key in the middle and death overs.
Opportunities for Emerging Players
While the UAE squad boasts experienced players like Muhammad Waseem and Junaid Siddique, the Tri-Series also presents an opportunity for emerging talents like Muhammad Jawadullah to make their mark on the international stage. Jawadullah, a promising all-rounder, has shown glimpses of his potential in domestic cricket and will be eager to showcase his skills against top opposition in the Tri-Series.
Head coach Lalchand Rajput and the team management will be closely monitoring the performances of the young players in the squad, looking for signs of growth, adaptability, and composure under pressure. The Tri-Series serves as a valuable platform for these players to gain exposure, learn from the senior members of the team, and hone their skills in high-pressure situations.
Building Momentum for Asia Cup 2025
As the UAE National Cricket Team gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, the Tri-Series provides a crucial opportunity to build momentum, test combinations, and fine-tune strategies ahead of the prestigious tournament. With the Asia Cup set to feature top cricketing nations from the region, including arch-rivals India and Pakistan, a strong showing in the Tri-Series will set a positive tone for the UAE team.
The players and coaching staff are fully aware of the significance of the upcoming tournaments and are committed to putting their best foot forward in every match. The Tri-Series will not only serve as a platform for competition but also as a learning experience for the team to identify areas of improvement, address weaknesses, and capitalize on strengths as they strive for success in the Asia Cup.
Excitement and Anticipation Among Fans
Cricket enthusiasts in the UAE and beyond are eagerly anticipating the start of the T20I Tri-Series, with expectations high for thrilling matches, individual brilliance, and team performances. The prospect of watching top players from the UAE, Pakistan, and Afghanistan compete in high-intensity clashes is generating buzz and excitement in the cricketing community.
Fans are looking forward to witnessing the skills, passion, and sportsmanship on display as the teams battle it out for supremacy in the Tri-Series. The competitive nature of T20 cricket, with its fast-paced action and dramatic twists, promises to deliver entertainment and excitement for spectators both in the stadiums and watching from home.
Overall, the T20I Tri-Series featuring the UAE National Cricket Team is set to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the talent and determination of the players as they aim to make their mark on the international stage and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the Asia Cup 2025.


