Pakistan, Afghanistan, UAE Tri-Nation T20I Series 2025: Schedule, Squads, and Updates

The Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE Tri-Nation T20I Series 2025 kicks off on August 29, 2025, at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, setting the stage for a thrilling prelude to the Asia Cup 2025. This high-octane tournament features hosts UAE, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final on September 7, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the series, including squads, match schedules, predictions, and how to watch live.

Why This Series Matters

This T20I series is a crucial warm-up for the Asia Cup 2025 (September 9–28, 2025), allowing teams to fine-tune strategies and adapt to UAE conditions. Sharjah’s pitch, known for favoring batsmen but offering spin assistance, will test players’ versatility. For cricket fans, this is a chance to witness intense rivalries, especially between Pakistan and Afghanistan, who have a history of nail-biting encounters. Stay tuned to usmanoncricket.com for daily updates, match previews, and expert analysis!

Series Schedule and Format

The tournament includes six league matches and a final, with each team facing the others twice. All matches start at 7:00 PM local time (8:00 PM PKT, 8:30 PM IST) at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Here’s the full schedule:

Source: ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz

Team Squads

All three teams have announced strong squads, blending experience with emerging talent. Below are the confirmed line-ups:

Pakistan Squad

Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan’s squad has sparked discussions due to the absence of star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, dropped for their slower T20 strike rates, as stated by coach Mike Hesson during the squad announcement in Lahore. The team features explosive batsmen and a potent pace attack.

• Captain: Salman Ali Agha
• Players: Mohammad Haris (WK), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Khushdil Shah, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Sufyan Moqim
• Key Players to Watch: Fakhar Zaman (1,949 T20I runs, SR 131.77), Shaheen Afridi (lethal left-arm pacer), Saim Ayub (young batting sensation).

Source: PCB, CricketTimes

Afghanistan Squad

Under Rashid Khan’s leadership, Afghanistan boasts a spin-heavy attack and aggressive batting. Their recent T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal run (stunning Australia and New Zealand) makes them favorites.

• Captain: Rashid Khan
• Players: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
• Key Players to Watch: Rashid Khan (world-class spinner), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1,702 T20I runs, SR 134.6), Mohammad Nabi (versatile all-rounder).

Source: CricketTimes

UAE Squad

Captain Muhammad Waseem leads a spirited UAE side, buoyed by their historic T20I series win over Bangladesh in May 2025. With home advantage, they aim to upset the heavyweights.

• Captain: Muhammad Waseem
• Players: Haider Ali, Rahul Chopra, Ethan D’Souza, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Harshit Kaushik, Asif Khan, Rohid Khan, Saghir Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Zohaib
• Key Players to Watch: Muhammad Waseem (ICC Player of the Month, May 2025), Junaid Siddique (96 T20I wickets).

Source: CricketTimes

Series Preview and Predictions

The Tri-Nation Series is a dress rehearsal for the Asia Cup 2025, where Pakistan (Group A: India, UAE, Oman) and Afghanistan (Group B: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong) will compete. Here’s what to expect:

• Pakistan: Despite missing Babar and Rizwan, Pakistan’s pace attack (Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf) and young batsmen like Saim Ayub offer firepower. Their 4-3 T20I record against Afghanistan promises tight contests.
• Afghanistan: With a spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, Afghanistan thrives in Sharjah’s spin-friendly conditions. Their recent 2-1 T20I series win over Pakistan in Sharjah (2023) gives them confidence.
• UAE: As underdogs, UAE will rely on Muhammad Waseem’s aggressive batting and home advantage. Their upset potential was evident in their win over Bangladesh.

Prediction: Afghanistan’s form and familiarity with Sharjah make them slight favorites, but Pakistan’s depth could see them clinch the title. UAE might spring surprises, especially against spin-heavy attacks.

Engaging Question: Who do you think will win the Tri-Nation Series? Comment below with your predictions!

Match Time and Broadcasting Platforms

All matches start at 7:00 PM local time (8:00 PM PKT, 8:30 PM IST). Fans can catch the action live on:

• Pakistan: A Sports, Ten Sports, Tamasha
• India: FanCode, Eurosport
• Global: Willow, Sky Sports, Cricbuzz, Tapmad, ARY Sports

Source: CricketTimes

Tickets and Venue

Tickets are available online or at Sharjah Cricket Stadium’s ticket office. Prices start at Dh30 (General Stands) and Dh400 (Hospitality). Gates open at 4:00 PM for Pakistan-Afghanistan matches and 5:00 PM for UAE matches.

Conclusion

The Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE Tri-Nation T20I Series 2025 promises electrifying cricket, with Sharjah’s historic ground set to witness epic battles. As teams gear up for the Asia Cup, fans can expect explosive performances from stars like Rashid Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Waseem. Follow usmanoncricket.com for daily news, player profiles, and exclusive insights. Who’s your favorite to lift the trophy? Let us know in the comments!