The United Arab Emirates (UAE), an emerging force in associate cricket, is gearing up for the Asia Cup 2025 with ambition and determination. Over the past few years, UAE has made remarkable progress, especially in the T20 format. Their recent performances in ICC qualifiers and regional tournaments prove that this team can no longer be taken lightly.
As the cricketing world turns its eyes to the Asia Cup, the UAE will look to surprise a few full-member nations. Armed with a squad featuring aggressive batters, dynamic all-rounders, and a few crafty bowlers, the Emirates team enters the competition with renewed belief.
While the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is yet to make an official squad announcement, here’s a look at the probable UAE team based on recent selections, player form, and domestic performances.
UAE Squad for Asia Cup 2025 (Expected)
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Muhammad Waseem (C) | Opening Batter |
| Vriitya Aravind (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Aryan Lakra | Batting All-Rounder |
| Basil Hameed | Middle-order Batter |
| Aayan Afzal Khan | Bowling All-Rounder |
| Rohan Mustafa | Batting All-Rounder |
| Ali Naseer | Pace All-Rounder |
| Zahoor Khan | Fast Bowler |
| Junaid Siddique | Right-arm Fast Bowler |
| Sabir Ali | Left-arm Medium Fast |
| Sanchit Sharma | Fast Bowler |
| Karthik Meiyappan | Leg Spinner |
| Asif Khan | Power Hitter |
| Rameez Shahzad | Top-order Batter |
| Tanish Suri | Batting All-Rounder |
Note: This is a predicted squad. The official list will be confirmed by the ECB before the tournament.
Key Players to Watch
Muhammad Waseem – One of the most destructive openers in associate cricket. Known for his big-hitting in the powerplay, he’ll be crucial at the top.
Vriitya Aravind – Young, calm under pressure, and technically gifted, Aravind anchors the innings and keeps wickets with finesse.
Aayan Afzal Khan – A rising all-rounder, Aayan’s left-arm spin and useful batting make him a future star of UAE cricket.
Ali Naseer – Fast gaining a reputation for his explosive lower-order hitting and effective seam bowling.
Karthik Meiyappan – A quality leg-spinner with a knack for picking key wickets in the middle overs.
Predicted Playing XI
- Muhammad Waseem (C)
- Vriitya Aravind (WK)
- Asif Khan
- Basil Hameed
- Aryan Lakra
- Ali Naseer
- Rohan Mustafa
- Aayan Afzal Khan
- Zahoor Khan
- Karthik Meiyappan
- Junaid Siddique
UAE Asia Cup 2025 Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 10 | UAE vs India | UAE |
| September 15 | UAE vs Oman | UAE |
| September 17 | UAE vs Pakistan | UAE |
Squad Analysis: Youth, Power & Spin
UAE’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is a blend of experience and exciting young talent. The batting unit boasts firepower at the top and stability in the middle, while the bowling attack has variety — including pace options and a strong spin core with Aayan Khan and Meiyappan.
Their biggest strengths:
- Explosive top-order (Waseem, Asif Khan)
- Reliable middle-order and finishers
- Bowlers who can adapt to UAE conditions
Weaknesses include the lack of big-match experience against Test-playing nations and the challenge of finishing tight games under pressure.
Captaincy & Leadership
Muhammad Waseem is expected to continue leading the UAE side. His experience, attacking batting style, and leadership in recent tournaments have positioned him as a dependable captain. With a mix of youth and experience in the squad, Waseem’s leadership will be key to UAE’s campaign.
Can UAE Cause an Upset in Asia Cup 2025?
With matches taking place in familiar home conditions, UAE will not only feel comfortable but confident. Playing on home turf and with a chip on their shoulder, the Emirates team could surprise one or more full-member nations and maybe even make it to the Super Four stage.
The Asia Cup 2025 could be the perfect platform for UAE to announce themselves as a serious cricketing contender in Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the captain of the UAE team for Asia Cup 2025?
Muhammad Waseem is expected to lead UAE in the Asia Cup 2025.
2. Has the official UAE squad been announced?
As of now, the official squad has not been released. This is a predicted list based on recent selections.
3. Which group is UAE in for the Asia Cup 2025?
UAE is officially in Group A alongside with India, Pakistan, and Oman.
4. What are UAE’s chances of qualifying for the Super Four?
UAE can qualify if they win at least two of their group-stage matches and maintain a strong net run rate.
5. Where will UAE’s matches be played in the Asia Cup 2025?
All matches will be hosted in the UAE, giving the Emirates team home advantage.
