UAE Recall Matiullah and Simranjeet for Asia Cup 2025

UAE Recall Matiullah and Simranjeet for Asia Cup 2025

The United Arab Emirates have named their 17-member squad for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, with Muhammad Waseem set to lead the side. The squad features two changes from the team currently competing in the T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan, with right-arm fast bowler Matiullah Khan and left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh recalled to bolster the bowling attack.

Matiullah, 32, brings pace and recent international experience, having last featured for UAE in the Pearl of Africa Series against Nigeria in July. Simranjeet, 35, offers variety with his left-arm spin and returns to the national setup after last playing at the Gulf T20I Championship in December 2024. Both players will look to add experience and balance to the side as UAE gear up for their toughest challenge of the year.

This marks UAE’s first Asia Cup appearance since 2016, when the tournament was also held in the T20 format in Bangladesh. The 2025 edition will take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9, with UAE placed in Group A alongside cricket heavyweights India and Pakistan, as well as fellow Associate nation Oman.

UAE will kick off their campaign against India on September 10 in Dubai. While they have never beaten India or Pakistan in any format, they hold a positive T20I record against Oman, with five wins to date. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the Super Fours stage.

UAE Squad for Asia Cup 2025:

  • Muhammad Waseem (captain)

  • Alishan Sharafu

  • Aryansh Sharma (wk)

  • Asif Khan

  • Dhruv Parashar

  • Ethan D'Souza

  • Haider Ali

  • Harshit Kaushik

  • Junaid Siddique

  • Matiullah Khan

  • Muhammad Farooq

  • Muhammad Jawadullah

  • Muhammad Zohaib

  • Rahul Chopra (wk)

  • Rohid Khan

  • Simranjeet Singh

  • Saghir Khan

With the tournament set to be played under challenging heat conditions, organizers have also shifted match start times back by 30 minutes to ensure player safety.

UAE will be looking to make a strong impression on home soil, with a blend of youth and experience aiming to upset the more established teams and make it to the Super Fours.