Tag: Asia Cup 2025

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday confirmed their 15-member squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the side, while top-order batter Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain of the T20I side.

A major highlight is the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who last featured in the format during India’s T20 World Cup triumph over South Africa in June 2024.

Bumrah will lead India’s fast-bowling unit in the UAE, joined by left-armer Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

The squad also features a mix of youth and experience with the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.

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The Asia Cup, to be staged in T20I format, begins on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are grouped together with the UAE and Oman, while Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong form Group B.

India and Pakistan are set to meet on September 14 in Dubai, with the possibility of another clash in the Super Four stage on September 21.

The final will be played on September 28.

India squad for ACC Asia Cup 2025

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Aakash Chopra names THIS player as India’s best middle order batter

Former India captain and legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has warned ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah about workload management ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 selection.

The decision to rest Bumrah in the recently concluded Test series against England has been a subject of debate. The right-arm pacer only played three Tests amid a workload management plan after recovering from an injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Now, with reports indicating Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Asia Cup 2025, Gavaskar has issued a blunt warning in his column for a news outlet.

“Nobody is indispensable. That’s why it is of prime importance for the selectors to now decide when Jasprit Bumrah should be playing,” he said.

“There’s already been a lot of debate about his appearances in the recently concluded series in England. To be fair, he had informed the selection committee that he could play only three Tests out of the five,” the former captain added.

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Sunil Gavaskar also criticized the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah in the all-important fifth match of the series, where the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy was at stake for Team India.

“The debate that has generated some heat is whether he should have played the last must-win Test match, especially since it was the grassiest pitch at the Oval in a long time. The next Test match was in early October, and so there were two clear months for him to rest and recover in time for that,” Gavaskar wrote.

“The Indian team management stated that he wasn’t picked considering his future. This is where the lines between what is good for the individual and what is good for Indian cricket got a little blurred,” he said.

The 76-year-old further remarked that no player is irreplaceable; if Bumrah had been fit, he should have played the final Test match.

“Surely at that stage, if he was fit, then for Indian cricket’s sake, he had to play. Whether then it was his call or the management’s call not to play is not known, but in the end, after India’s win it showed once again, if ever there was need to know that nobody is indispensable in the game. The game just moves on,” Sunil Gavaskar concluded.

READ: Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj likely to miss out on Asia Cup selection: report

The ace performers of the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj, are unlikely to be included in the India squad for the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to commence next month.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to leave out the duo amid multiple options in the fray.

The selectors are likely to go with Yashasvi Jaiswal as a backup opener for the marquee event.

Shubman Gill, the skipper of India in the longest format of the game, may find it difficult despite showing a rich vein of form, having amassed 754 runs in the five-match Test series, the report states.

Notably, Gill also had a stellar Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, scoring 650 runs as an opener. However, the selectors are keen to go with the current pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.

According to the report, the other options in the squad are Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh, with one more vacant slot to be filled, while Jitesh Sharma is likely to be added as a backup wicketkeeper.

Notably, Mohammed Siraj is also not in the plans for the India squad for the Asia Cup 2025, following reports that ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has shown his availability for the tournament.

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The selectors are likely to meet and announce the squad for the Asia Cup 2025 on August 19.

For the unversed, the Asia Cup will get underway on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in the opener.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are slotted in Group A alongside UAE and Oman, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

India and Pakistan are slated to meet on September 14 in Dubai. The tournament, to be played in the T20 format, is seen as vital preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, where another India–Pakistan clash could take place on September 21.

The final has been scheduled for September 28.

READ: Former all-rounder calls for India to skip Pakistan clash at Asia Cup 2025

Former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav has added fuel to the ongoing debate around the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, as he weighed in on the highly anticipated India–Pakistan clash scheduled for next month in the UAE.

Jadhav, while acknowledging India’s strength and ability to beat any opponent, insisted that the marquee fixture against Pakistan should not take place at all.

“I think the Indian team should not play at all. As far as India is concerned, wherever India plays, it will always win. But this match should not be played, and I can say this with confidence that they will not play,” he said.

His comments echoed those of legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who earlier questioned the very need for India to face Pakistan in the tournament.

“Why do we give them so much importance?” Harbhajan had remarked.

Harbajan was part of the recently concluded World Championship of Legends (WCL), where the India Champions refused to face the Pakistan Champions in both the group stage and the semi-final.

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Despite these calls, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has already confirmed the schedule.

The Asia Cup will get underway on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in the opener.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are slotted in Group A alongside UAE and Oman, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

India and Pakistan are slated to meet on September 14 in Dubai. The tournament, to be played in the T20 format, is seen as vital preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, where another India–Pakistan clash could take place on September 21.

The final has been scheduled for September 28.

READ: Suryakumar Yadav clears fitness test ahead of Asia Cup 2025: reports

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has opened the door for a return to action, with reports suggesting he has regained full fitness ahead of the ACC Asia Cup 2025.

According to Indian media, the right-hander has successfully cleared a mandatory fitness test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The clearance almost confirms his availability for the Asia Cup and continuation as India’s captain in the shortest format.

The development comes as a major boost for India, who are set to feature in the Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.

Suryakumar Yadav is also expected to be present at the team selection meeting in Mumbai on August 19, alongside chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.

The 34-year-old had been on the sidelines since the conclusion of IPL 2025, where he was representing the Mumbai Indians.

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During the tournament, he scored 717 runs, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to breach the 600-run mark for the franchise.

Following the tournament, he underwent surgery in Munich, Germany, to treat a sports hernia in his lower right abdomen.

Since returning to India in June, Suryakumar Yadav has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, where he gradually resumed batting and fitness drills before proving his readiness.

It’s worth noting that the Asia Cup 2025 will commence on September 9, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the Group B opener.

India’s campaign will begin on September 10 against the UAE, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on September 14. Their final group-stage fixture is scheduled against Oman on September 19.

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KARACHI: Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq on Sunday shared his views on the national team squad selection for the upcoming Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025.

Razzaq lauded the team selection, praising the emerging players for their strong performances.

“Over the last three to four months, teams have been picked on merit, and players who perform are getting their chances,” Abdul Razzaq said.

He mentioned the inclusion of new players and called the UAE a favourable place for the Pakistan team.

“The selectors have chosen the best team, and the inclusion of youngsters is a very positive sign. This squad has the potential to perform well in the UAE. I believe Pakistan can not only win the tri-nation event but also triumph in the Asia Cup,” Razzaq added.

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“The team looks motivated and united. Our good wishes are always with them, and it’s clear everyone is focused on playing for Pakistan. This team is our best team and I hope they will perform really well,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has tasked Abdul Razzaq with addressing Pakistan’s longstanding problem of reliable power hitters.

Razzaq, who was also renowned for his exceptional ball-striking ability during a 17-year international career, is the head coach of the strike force program.

The PCB Strike Force programme will continue throughout the year, with elite and emerging players invited to camps regularly to improve their power hitting.

READ: Salman Mirza shares reaction to Pakistan squad selection for Tri-Series, Asia Cup

Left-arm fast bowler Salman Mirza has reacted to his inclusion in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025.

The pacer, who recently made his debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh, took to his social media handle to express his excitement.

“Shukar Alhamdulillah,” Salman Mirza wrote in his Instagram post while sharing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official squad banner.

Salman Mirza gained attention for his outstanding performances in the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, where he represented the defending champions Lahore Qalandars.

 

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A post shared by Salman Mirza (@salmanmirza760)

The pacer hailing from Lahore took nine wickets in four matches, including a three-wicket haul in the all-important do-or-die clash against Islamabad United.

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Salman Mirza followed his exceptional performance in the series against Bangladesh, where he scalped seven wickets in three matches at an excellent economy rate of 5.21.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 17-member squad featuring a blend of youngsters and experienced players.

Salman Ali Agha will lead the side with experienced players such as Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf included in the squad.

Additionally, young talents Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, and Hussain Talat are also part of the squad.

The team will be in action in the tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE, which is scheduled to run from August 29 to September 7.

The series will be held entirely at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and will see each team face the others twice, culminating in the final on September 7.

The series will serve as a crucial tune-up for the Asia Cup 2025, also to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28 in the T20 format.

Pakistan squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup

Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed hails team selection for Tri-Series, Asia Cup 2025

KARACHI: Wicket-keeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed has praised the Pakistan squad selection for the upcoming Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025.

Addressing the media during a private event, Sarfaraz mentioned the younger players who are stepping up with their performances.

“This is a new team taking shape, with new players performing. Youngsters such as Hasan Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, and Sufyan Moqim have been given opportunities,” said Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Regarding team selection, he stated that it’s a good team and is confident that this team will perform well in the forthcoming events.

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“A good team has been announced, and I hope this team can perform well in the Tri-Nation and the Asia Cup,” the wicket-keeper said.

“Fakhar Zaman has consistently been a match-winner and has performed very well for Pakistan. As I said before, this is a young team, and in the UAE, Pakistan’s record has always been excellent,” Sarfaraz Ahmed concluded.

For the unversed, the 17-member squad announced earlier today will partake in the tri-series, scheduled to run from August 29 to September 7.

The series will serve as a crucial tune-up for the Asia Cup 2025, also to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28 in the T20 format.

Pakistan squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup

Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

READ: Former cricketer questions Babar, Rizwan’s omission from T20I team

India ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has shown readiness for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, several Indian Media outlets reported on Sunday.

According to the reports, Bumrah spoke to the selectors a couple of days ago about his availability for the marquee event.

“Bumrah has informed the selectors that he will be available for the Asia Cup selection. The selection committee will meet and discuss it when they meet next week,” a BCCI source confirmed.

To manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload in mind, the Indian team management decided to include the right-arm pacer in only three of the five Test matches against England.

The 31-year-old featured in the first, third, and fourth Test of the series. Overall, Jasprit Bumrah bowled 119.4 overs and scalped two-wicket hauls.

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It is noteworthy to mention that Jasprit Bumrah’s last appearance for the T20I team came against South Africa in the 2024 World Cup final, where he played a pivotal role in India’s triumph.

The reports further mentioned that the India selectors are set to meet before the finalization of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025.

Moreover, team India will arrive early in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Asia Cup 2025

“The BCCI had asked team management whether they were in favour of a short camp in Bengaluru. However, the team management felt that it would be better to fly early so that players could get used to the conditions,” the report quoted.

“Instead of having a camp here, the team will fly three-four days early so that they can get decent practice before the tournament starts,” the source said.

For the unversed, the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup will be held in the UAE and played in the T20 format, serving as a key build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The tournament will feature eight teams split into two groups. Group A comprises Pakistan, India, the UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

READ: Aqib Javed backs Pakistan to beat India in Asia Cup 2025

LAHORE: National selector Aqib Javed has expressed confidence in the Pakistan team’s ability to beat any side, including India, ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025, which will begin in September 2025.

The upcoming edition of the continental tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and played in the T20 format, serving as a key build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The tournament will feature eight teams split into two groups. Group A comprises Pakistan, India, the UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

The high-stakes encounter between Pakistan and India is scheduled to take place on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Addressing the media during a press conference in the provincial capital, Aqib Javed commented on the much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan.

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“Pakistan’s T20 team can beat India. India-Pakistan matches are always huge, and everyone is aware of this. I believe this 17-member squad is capable of defeating any team. We shouldn’t put pressure on them, but I am very hopeful,” he stated.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan has announced a 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 and the Tri-Series against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Salman Ali Agha will captain the team, which includes experienced players such as Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf.

Additionally, young talents Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, and Hussain Talat have also been selected for the lineup.

Meanwhile, the ace duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not been selected in the Pakistan squad.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s last T20I appearance came in December 2024 against South Africa.

Pakistan squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup

Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

READ: Aqib Javed explains Babar, Rizwan’s exclusion from Pakistan’s T20I squad