UAE’s Big Moment on Home Soil – Can They Make History?
The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and this year’s edition promises to be extra special for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Not only is the tournament being hosted in the UAE, but the national team will be looking to make a strong impression in front of home fans. Scheduled from September 9 to September 28, the tournament will follow the T20 format, making it a fast-paced, high-energy event.
UAE will begin their campaign on September 15, facing Oman at Abu Dhabi, with the match starting at 7:30 PM local time. They are placed in Group A, alongside India, Pakistan, and Oman.
The team will be led by Muhammad Waseem, a powerful opening batter known for his aggressive style and leadership qualities.
👉 Want more? Continue reading to explore player profiles, team strategies, match schedules, and exciting updates about UAE’s journey in the Asia Cup 2025.
Asia Cup 2025 Overview
- Dates: September 9 – September 28, 2025
- Host: United Arab Emirates
- Format: T20 International
Groups:
Group B: Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Hong Kong
Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
UAE Team Leadership
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Captain | Muhammad Waseem |
UAE Team Squad List for Asia Cup 2025
| 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 |
Asia cup 2025 all team Squad
- Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- India Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Oman Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- UAE Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Bangladesh Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Hong Kong Squad for Asia Cup 2025
UAE Team Strategy & Strengths
UAE’s squad is built around a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent. Playing on home soil gives them a unique advantage, especially with familiarity in pitch conditions and crowd support.
✅ Strengths
Spin Depth: With players like Karthik Meiyappan and Aayan Afzal Khan, UAE has a strong spin attack suited for UAE pitches.
All-Round Options: Aryan Lakra, Rohan Mustafa, and Ali Naseer offer flexibility in both batting and bowling.
Explosive Batting: Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan can take the game away in the powerplay.
⚠️ Challenges
Fast Bowling Depth: While Zahoor Khan and Junaid Siddique are reliable, UAE lacks express pace options.
Middle-Order Stability: Basil Hameed and Rameez Shahzad will need to anchor innings under pressure.
Big-Match Experience: Competing against teams like India and Pakistan will test their composure.
Key Players to Watch – UAE’s Match-Winners
| Player Name | Role | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Waseem | Captain & Opener | Aggressive top-order batter with leadership skills. |
| Vriitya Aravind | Wicketkeeper Batter | Reliable behind the stumps and a steady contributor. |
| Rohan Mustafa | All-Rounder | Veteran presence with experience in big matches. |
| Karthik Meiyappan | Leg Spinner | UAE’s top wicket-taking spinner in recent years. |
| Asif Khan | Power Hitter | Known for quick runs and boundary-hitting ability. |
UAE Squad 2025 Coaching & Support Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Robin Singh |
| Bowling Coach | Aaqib Javed |
| Batting Coach | Mudassar Nazar |
| Fielding Coach | TBA |
Asia Cup 2025 UAE Squad Essentials – Gear, Sponsors & Home Ground
UAE’s kit for the Asia Cup 2025 features:
- Player names and numbers in bold white font.
- A sleek black and red design, representing strength and unity.
- Gold accents on the collar and sleeves to reflect national pride.
- Lightweight, breathable fabric suited for UAE’s climate.
Sponsors & Partners
- Title Sponsor: To be announced
- Kit Sponsor: Likely to be a regional brand or an international sportswear company
- Broadcast Partner: CricLife and StarzPlay for UAE viewers
- These sponsors play a key role in promoting cricket across the Emirates and supporting grassroots development.
Asia Cup 2025 UAE Squad Home Ground
UAE’s matches will be played at:
- Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi)
- Dubai International Stadium
- Sharjah Cricket Stadium
These venues are known for hosting major ICC events and offer world-class facilities.
UAE Men’s Cricket Team History – A Story of Passion and Progress
UAE’s cricket journey began in the 1980s, with the team gaining ICC Associate Member status in 1990. Over the years, they’ve become one of the strongest associate nations, regularly qualifying for ICC tournaments.
Key Milestones
- 1996: First appearance in the ODI World Cup
- 2014: Qualified for the T20 World Cup
- 2022: Hosted ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches
- 2024: Reached semi-finals of ACC Premier Cup to qualify for Asia Cup 2025
UAE has invested heavily in cricket infrastructure and youth development, producing players who now compete in global leagues.
Current Asia Cup Rankings (2025)
| Format | Ranking |
|---|---|
| T20Is | 17th |
| ODIs | 15th |
| Tests | Not applicable (UAE is not a Test-playing nation) |
UAE’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
- September 15: vs Oman – Abu Dhabi – 7:30 PM
- September 18: vs Pakistan – Dubai
- September 22: vs India – Sharjah
- Super Four Stage: Starts September 24 (if qualified)
- Final: September 28
Where to Watch Asia Cup 2025
| Region | TV Channels | Streaming Apps |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | CricLife, StarzPlay | Switch TV |
| India | Star Sports | Disney+ Hotstar |
| Pakistan | Ten Sports, PTV Sports | Tamasha, Tapmad |
| UK | TNT Sports | Discovery+ |
| USA/Canada | Willow TV | ESPN+, Hotstar |
| Australia/NZ | Fox Sports, Sky Sport | Kayo Sports, Sky Go |
Final Thoughts
The UAE squad for Asia Cup 2025 is full of promise. With home advantage, a balanced team, and rising confidence, they have the potential to surprise bigger teams. Their match against Oman will be crucial, and fans will be watching closely to see how they perform against giants like India and Pakistan.
Stay tuned for match updates, player performances, and expert analysis throughout the tournament!
❓ FAQs – UAE Squad & Asia Cup 2025
Q1. Who is UAE’s captain for Asia Cup 2025?
Muhammad Waseem leads the team as captain and opening batter.
Q2. When is UAE’s first match?
September 15 vs Oman at Abu Dhabi, starting 7:30 PM local time.
Q3. Can UAE qualify for the Super Four?
Yes, if they win at least two group matches, they have a strong chance.
Q4. Where can UAE fans watch the matches?
On CricLife, StarzPlay, and Switch TV.
Q5. Who are UAE’s key players to watch?
Muhammad Waseem, Rohan Mustafa, Karthik Meiyappan, and As
