Asia Cup: UAE announce 17-member squad led by Muhammad Waseem
What's the story
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced their 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, starting September 9. While Muhammad Waseem will continue to lead the side, the cricket board has made two changes to the squad from the ongoing T20I tri-series. Pacer Matiullah Khan and left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh have been recalled to the side. Hosts UAE will take on India in their Asia Cup opener on September 10.
Player profiles
A look at two inclusions
Matiullah has featured in five T20Is and an ODI for the UAE so far. The 32-year-old right-arm seamer last play against Nigeria during the Pearl of Africa T20I Series in July. On the other hand, left-arm spinner Simranjeet has featured in 11 T20Is and five ODIs. He played for the UAE in the 2024 Gulf T20I Championship.
Waseem
Muhammad Waseem in sublime form
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem has been in sublime form in the ongoing T20I Tri-Series at home. He played a stellar knock against Afghanistan in Sharjah, scoring an explosive 67 runs off just 37 balls. The game saw him break India's Rohit Sharma's record for most sixes as a captain in T20Is. Waseem now also boasts the second-most T20I sixes.
Information
UAE squad for Asia Cup
UAE squad: Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D'Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wicket-keeper), Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, and Saghir Khan.
Tournament history
UAE return to Asia Cup
The UAE last participated in the Asia Cup in 2016, when it was played in a T20 format in Bangladesh. In 2025, they are placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, and Oman. As mentioned, the UAE will kick off their campaign on September 10, taking on India in Dubai. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Fours stage of the tournament.