The United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricket team is all set to participate in an exciting triangular T20I series in Sharjah, scheduled from August 29 to September 7, 2025. This tri-series will feature UAE, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, offering a crucial platform for all teams to prepare for the upcoming Men’s T20 Asia Cup, which begins on September 9, 2025, also in the UAE.
For the UAE, this tournament is more than just a warm-up. It provides a valuable chance for players to gain international match experience, test their team combinations, and measure their skills against higher-ranked teams. Playing against top cricketing nations like Afghanistan and Pakistan will challenge UAE players to raise their game and fine-tune their strategies ahead of the Asia Cup.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
Muhammad Waseem Leads UAE Team
The UAE squad will be led by captain Muhammad Waseem, a key player who has consistently performed for his team in T20Is. Waseem’s leadership will be essential as UAE navigates the tough competition in Sharjah. The team will also benefit from the guidance of head coach Lalchand Rajput, a former India opener with years of international experience. Rajput has emphasized consistency, exposure, and preparation against top-tier teams as critical for UAE’s cricketing growth.
New Faces Join the Squad
This series sees the UAE squad blend experience with fresh talent. Four new players have been included for this tri-series:
-
Harshit Kaushik – A 28-year-old left-handed middle-order batter who can also bowl part-time left-arm spin. Kaushik is yet to make his international debut, but his inclusion provides UAE with additional batting depth.
-
Junaid Siddique – A seasoned medium-pacer with experience in both ODI and T20I formats. Siddique has represented Bangladesh internationally, playing 59 ODIs and 71 T20Is, and has taken 76 and 96 wickets respectively. His experience in franchise leagues like ILT20 and Global T20 Canada will be valuable for UAE’s bowling lineup.
-
Muhammad Farooq – A 32-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder, Farooq has taken nine wickets in eight T20Is and can contribute crucial overs in the middle of a game.
-
Muhammad Jawadullah – A left-arm fast bowler, Jawadullah has become a consistent performer for UAE, with 54 wickets in 33 T20Is and 11 wickets in 12 ODIs. His pace and ability to take early wickets make him a key asset.
Meanwhile, a few players have missed out on this squad, including Akif Raja, Matiullah Khan, and Zuhaib Zubair.
Core Group Remains Strong
Even with the new additions, the core UAE players remain a solid backbone for the team. Familiar names like Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, and Rahul Chopra continue to feature prominently. These players have proven their mettle in past tournaments and bring experience, stability, and balance to the squad.
Middle-order strength comes from Muhammad Zohaib, who was one of the standout batters for UAE in the recent Pearl of Africa Cup. All-rounder Saghir Khan also plays a vital role, offering flexibility with both bat and ball.
The UAE squad for the T20I tri-series in Sharjah is as follows:
-
Captain: Muhammad Waseem
-
Batsmen/Wicketkeepers: Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Rahul Chopra (wk), Muhammad Zohaib, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D'Souza, Haider Ali
-
All-Rounders/Bowlers: Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Rohid Khan, Saghir Khan
This mix of experienced players and newcomers aims to give UAE a competitive edge in the tri-series and prepare them for the Asia Cup challenge.
Match Fixtures and Format
The tri-series will be played in a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final. The fixtures are as follows:
-
Aug 29: Afghanistan vs Pakistan
-
Aug 30: UAE vs Pakistan
-
Sep 1: UAE vs Afghanistan
-
Sep 3: Pakistan vs Afghanistan
-
Sep 4: UAE vs Pakistan
-
Sep 5: UAE vs Afghanistan
-
Sep 7: Final (Top two teams)
UAE begins their campaign against Pakistan on August 30, followed by Afghanistan on September 1. They will play Pakistan again on September 4 and face Afghanistan on September 5. The final, scheduled for September 7, comes just two days before the Asia Cup begins.
Importance of the Tri-Series for UAE
This tri-series is more than a preparatory tournament for UAE. It represents a rare opportunity to test themselves against stronger cricketing nations, gain momentum, and improve team depth. Facing Pakistan and Afghanistan allows UAE to experiment with team combinations, try different bowling and batting strategies, and give match exposure to new players like Harshit Kaushik.
The series also provides insight into areas where UAE can improve, from bowling consistency to middle-order batting stability. With emerging talent and experienced performers, UAE hopes to make a strong impression in Sharjah and carry that confidence into the Asia Cup.
Looking Ahead: Asia Cup Challenge
Following the tri-series, UAE will face a tough group in the Asia Cup 2025, including India, Pakistan, and Oman. While the final squad for the Asia Cup will be announced closer to the tournament, performances in Sharjah will likely influence selections and strategies.
Head coach Lalchand Rajput aims to build a resilient, adaptable, and confident team capable of competing with higher-ranked sides. The tri-series will serve as a testing ground to identify the right combinations, tactics, and leadership strategies ahead of the continental championship.
The UAE cricket team enters the Sharjah T20I tri-series with a blend of experience, new talent, and strong leadership. Captain Muhammad Waseem, along with core players like Alishan Sharafu and Aryansh Sharma, provides stability, while newcomers Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, and Muhammad Jawadullah bring fresh energy and skills.
This series offers UAE a golden opportunity to prepare, learn, and grow before the Asia Cup 2025. Facing top cricketing nations like Pakistan and Afghanistan will not only help in strategic planning but also boost players’ confidence. The UAE team hopes to perform well in Sharjah, gain valuable match experience, and showcase their cricketing progress on the continental stage.
With tough matches, intense competition, and a chance to test skills against the best, UAE’s players are ready to make their presence felt in the tri-series and set the stage for an exciting Asia Cup campaign.
