UAE Names T20I Squad For Tri-Series Against Pakistan & Afghanistan

On Wednesday, August 27, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) officially announced the T20 International (T20I) squad for the UAE National Cricket Team. The squad will take part in the upcoming Tri-series at home, facing Pakistan and Afghanistan. Veteran batsman Muhammad Waseem has been named captain of the 15-member squad. He will lead the team through this important preparatory tournament.

Purpose Of The Tri-Series

The T20I Tri-series is being held to help the teams prepare for the Asia Cup 2025. Playing competitive matches against strong opponents like Pakistan and Afghanistan allows the UAE team to assess its performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and gain match practice before the marquee event. This preparation is crucial for building confidence and improving team strategy ahead of the Asia Cup.

Asia Cup 2025 Format

The Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format from September 9 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates. A total of eight teams will participate in the tournament, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong. UAE and Pakistan have been placed in Group A, while Afghanistan is in Group B. The Asia Cup provides an opportunity for all participating nations to showcase their talent on a big stage.

Tri-Series Match Schedule

The Tri-series will begin with Afghanistan facing Pakistan on August 29, followed by UAE versus Pakistan on August 30. The remaining matches are scheduled as follows: Afghanistan vs UAE, Afghanistan vs Pakistan, Pakistan vs UAE, and Afghanistan vs UAE on September 1, 2, 4, and 5. The final will be held on September 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which will host all matches of the series. This schedule allows teams to have adequate preparation and practice while ensuring competitive gameplay.

New Faces In The UAE Squad

The Muhammad Waseem-led squad features four new players compared to the previous assignments. The newcomers are Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, and Muhammad Jawadullah. Some experienced players like Akif Raja, Matiullah Khan, and Zuhaib Zubair have been left out for this series. This change reflects the team management’s focus on giving opportunities to emerging talent while maintaining a strong core of experienced cricketers.

Experience Of New Players

Among the new players, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, and Muhammad Jawadullah have already represented the UAE in international cricket. Harshit Kaushik, however, is set to make his international debut. Siddique has played 59 ODIs and 71 T20Is, while Jawadullah has 12 ODIs and 33 T20Is under his belt. Farooq, a leg-spinning all-rounder, has appeared in eight T20Is and two ODIs. Their experience is expected to strengthen the UAE team and provide guidance to the younger players during the series.

Core Team Members

Alongside the new players, the squad includes familiar names who have consistently represented the UAE in past tournaments. These core players bring stability, experience, and leadership to the team. With the combination of experienced and fresh talent, UAE aims to deliver strong performances against tough opposition.

Leadership And Coaching Staff

Under the leadership of head coach Lalchand Rajput and captain Muhammad Waseem, the UAE team is focused on performing well in the Tri-series. The support staff includes team manager Amjad Ezzi, strength and conditioning coach Azharuddin Qureshi, video analyst Manipreet Sidhu, and physiotherapist Manish Pradeshi. Their combined expertise ensures the players are well-prepared physically, mentally, and tactically for the matches.

Importance Of The Series

The Tri-series is not only a platform for match practice but also an opportunity for players to showcase their talent and compete at a high level. Playing against strong teams like Pakistan and Afghanistan allows UAE players to experience challenging conditions, test their skills, and refine strategies. The series also helps the coaching staff evaluate player performance and make final adjustments for the Asia Cup.

Focus On T20 Strategy

With the Asia Cup being played in the T20 format, this series gives UAE an opportunity to practice key aspects of the game. This includes batting aggression, fast scoring, precise bowling, fielding drills, and overall team coordination. T20 cricket demands quick decision-making, adaptability, and consistent performance under pressure, all of which the UAE team aims to strengthen through this series.

Player Goals And Motivation

For many players, the Tri-series is a chance to prove their worth and secure their place in the final Asia Cup squad. The new players, in particular, are motivated to perform well and establish themselves at the international level. Experienced players like Siddique and Jawadullah are expected to lead by example, guiding younger teammates and contributing to team success.

Venue And Facilities

All matches of the Tri-series will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The stadium offers world-class facilities for players, including practice nets, fitness equipment, and modern match-day amenities. Playing at a familiar venue gives the UAE team a slight advantage, as players are accustomed to the pitch, weather, and ground conditions.

Preparation For Asia Cup 2025

The Tri-series serves as a direct preparation platform for the Asia Cup 2025. Teams can assess their strategies, make tactical adjustments, and develop team chemistry before facing other top cricketing nations. Success in the Tri-series will boost morale and confidence for the upcoming tournament, helping UAE to perform at its best.

Final Squad List

The full UAE T20I squad for the Tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan is as follows: Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’ Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wicketkeeper), Rohid Khan, and Saghir Khan.

The announcement of the UAE T20I squad for the Tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan marks a key step in the team’s preparation for the Asia Cup 2025. With a mix of experienced players and new talent, guided by an experienced coaching staff, the UAE aims to perform strongly in the series. The Tri-series will help the team gain confidence, test strategies, and set the stage for a competitive Asia Cup campaign.