The Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will see Afghanistan aiming to make a strong statement under the captaincy of Rashid Khan. Known for their fearless cricket and world-class spin attack, Afghanistan will face tough challenges in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. With explosive batters, all-round depth, and one of the strongest bowling units in T20 cricket, Afghanistan are being seen as serious contenders for the Super Fours stage and beyond.
Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Squad
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain (All-rounder) | Rashid Khan |
| Batters | Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal |
| All-rounders | Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf |
| Wicketkeepers | Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq |
| Bowlers | Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, AM Ghazanfar |
Afghanistan’s squad is spin-heavy, with Rashid, Mujeeb, Noor Ahmad, and Ghazanfar forming a formidable attack. Their batting relies on Gurbaz, Zadran, and Nabi to set the tone.
Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 Schedule (Group B)
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) | Time (GMT) | Time (Local – UAE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9, Tue | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong (Tournament Opener) | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM GMT | 6:00 PM Local |
| Sep 16, Tue | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM GMT | 6:00 PM Local |
| Sep 18, Thu | Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM GMT | 6:00 PM Local |
If Afghanistan qualifies, they will play the Super Fours starting from September 20, with the Final on September 28 in Dubai.
Read more: – Bangladesh Cricket Upcoming Matches
Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025: SWOT Analysis
- Strengths: World-class spin attack (Rashid Khan, Mujeeb, Noor Ahmad), explosive top order with Gurbaz and Zadran, experienced all-rounders like Nabi and Omarzai.
- Weaknesses: Middle-order inconsistency under pressure, pace attack still developing beyond Farooqi and Naveen, occasional fielding lapses.
- Opportunities: Strong chance to beat Hong Kong & Bangladesh to secure Super Fours spot, spin-friendly UAE conditions suit their attack, platform to test squad before T20 World Cup 2026.
- Threats: Sri Lanka’s experience and Bangladesh’s balanced bowling attack could block Super Fours qualification, over-reliance on spin might backfire on batting-friendly pitches.
Venues for Afghanistan Matches
- Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Afghanistan will play all group matches here.
- Dubai International Stadium, Dubai – Hosts key Super Fours games and the Final.
Tournament Format
- Group Stage: 8 teams split into 2 groups of 4.
- Super Fours: Top 2 teams from each group advance.
- Final: Sep 28, 2025, Dubai International Stadium.
Afghanistan must beat at least two teams in Group B to secure a Super Fours berth.
Afghanistan Players to Watch
- Rashid Khan (Captain): World’s premier T20 spinner and team leader.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Explosive wicketkeeper-batter at the top of the order.
- Mohammad Nabi: Veteran all-rounder with immense experience.
- Noor Ahmad & Mujeeb Ur Rahman: Spin duo who can choke opposition scoring.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi & Naveen-ul-Haq: Young pace bowlers who add balance to the attack.
Live Streaming & Broadcast (Afghanistan Matches)
- India: Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar
- Afghanistan: RTA Sports (likely broadcast)
- Pakistan: Ten Sports, Tapmad
- Bangladesh: Gazi TV, Toffee App
- Sri Lanka: SLRC (Channel Eye)
- UAE: CricLife Max (Switch TV, eLife)
- UK: TNT Sports, TNT Sports App
- USA & Canada: Disney+ Hotstar
- South Africa: SuperSport
Afghanistan’s Challenge
Placed in a tough group, Afghanistan will need to beat Bangladesh and Hong Kong at minimum to progress. Their match against Sri Lanka on Sep 18 will likely decide their qualification fate. With Rashid Khan’s leadership and a spin-heavy bowling lineup, Afghanistan have the tools to trouble even the strongest batting sides.
Like to know: Asia Cup Winners List (From 1984 to 2025)
The Asia Cup 2025 is a golden chance for Afghanistan to showcase their growth as a cricketing force. With world-class bowlers, fearless batters, and a passionate squad, they have the ability to challenge established giants. If their top order fires and their spinners dominate, Afghanistan could well be the dark horses of the tournament. Fans back home and across the world will be eagerly watching as the men in blue take the field in the UAE.
