The Pakistan cricket team in Asia Cup 2025 is entering the tournament with momentum, having secured victory in the recent tri-nation T20 series in the United Arab Emirates. Led by captain Salman Ali Agha, the green shirts are confident of their chances in the highly competitive event, which begins on September 9 with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong. For Pakistan, the Asia Cup is more than just another tournament—it is a test of dominance in regional cricket against traditional rivals like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Pakistan Cricket Team in Asia Cup 2025: Group Stage Challenges
The Pakistan cricket team in Asia Cup 2025 has been placed in Group A, alongside India, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, who are making their debut in the competition. Pakistan’s campaign begins against Oman on September 12 in Dubai, followed by the high-voltage clash with India on September 14, and their last group-stage game against the UAE on September 17. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Four, setting the stage for the semifinals and final.
Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong, making it equally competitive. With India as defending champions and Sri Lanka having historically strong performances, the pressure is on Pakistan to prove their consistency and reclaim regional dominance.
Captain Salman Ali Agha’s Confidence in the Team
Skipper Salman Ali Agha has expressed full confidence in the Pakistan cricket team in Asia Cup 2025, calling them one of the favorites to lift the trophy. He emphasized that every team in the tournament has the potential to win, but the side that performs well on the day will emerge victorious. He also highlighted the importance of players like Mohammad Nawaz, who has consistently delivered match-winning performances despite often being underrated.
The team management has also shown faith in Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Haris, expecting them to return to form during the tournament. Decisions regarding team combinations, such as fielding spinners after analyzing Sharjah’s wicket during the tri-series, show the strategic planning behind Pakistan’s campaign.
Pakistan’s Past Performance in the Asia Cup
The Pakistan cricket team in Asia Cup history has had its share of glory. The green shirts have won the tournament twice—once in 2000 and again in 2012. In contrast, India has dominated the competition, winning eight times, while Sri Lanka has been crowned champions six times.
The Asia Cup has been played in the T20 format only twice before—in 2016, when India emerged victorious, and in 2022, when Sri Lanka stunned fans with their win. This year, Pakistan will look to make history by claiming their third title and narrowing the gap with their arch-rivals India.
Pakistan’s Form in T20 Internationals
Coming into the tournament, the Pakistan cricket team in Asia Cup 2025 boasts a promising record. Out of the 19 T20 International matches they have played this year, Pakistan has won 11 and lost 8. Victories in T20 series against Bangladesh and the West Indies, followed by their tri-series win against Afghanistan and UAE, have provided the team with confidence and rhythm.
This strong form highlights Pakistan’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different conditions, which will be crucial in their Asia Cup journey.
Squad Overview of Pakistan Cricket Team in Asia Cup 2025
The Pakistan cricket team in Asia Cup 2025 features a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. The squad includes:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Hassan Nawaz
- Mohammad Haris
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
- Safyan Muqim
- Hasan Ali
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Salman
With Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf spearheading the pace attack and Abrar Ahmed providing spin options, Pakistan’s bowling looks formidable. The batting lineup, led by Fakhar Zaman and young talents like Saim Ayub, will be expected to deliver big scores in high-pressure matches.
The Big Clash: Pakistan vs India
The highlight of the Pakistan cricket team in Asia Cup 2025 campaign will undoubtedly be their match against India on September 14 in Dubai. The arch-rivals have not played a bilateral series since 2012, making their encounters in multi-nation tournaments highly anticipated. The last time the two teams met in a 50-over clash, India secured victory. This year, Pakistan will aim to reverse that result and make a strong statement.
The Pakistan cricket team in Asia Cup 2025 enters the tournament with high hopes, solid preparation, and a strong track record in T20 internationals this year. With a balanced squad, experienced leadership, and recent success in regional competitions, Pakistan is well-positioned to challenge for the title.
As the battle for cricket supremacy in Asia begins, all eyes will be on the green shirts to see if they can reclaim the glory of past years and add another Asia Cup trophy to their cabinet.