The Asia Cup 2025 will be another big stage for Hong Kong cricket, as the team returns to compete against Asia’s best from September 9 to 28, 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, Hong Kong will play its group matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Led by Yasim Murtaza, Hong Kong’s squad is a blend of senior players like Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, and Kinchit Shah, combined with young talents eager to make a mark.
Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Squad
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Yasim Murtaza (All-rounder) |
| Batters | Martin Coetzee, Babar Hayat, Kalhan Challu, Anas Khan |
| All-rounders | Kinchit Shah, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza, Aizaz Khan |
| Wicketkeepers | Anshuman Rath, Zeeshan Ali, Shahid Wasif |
| Bowlers | Nasrulla Rana, Ateeq Iqbal, Adil Mehmood, Haroon Arshad, Ayush Shukla, Ali Hassan, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Mohammad Waheed, Ehsan Khan |
Hong Kong’s strength lies in their all-round department, with Murtaza, Kinchit, and Nizakat capable of changing games with both bat and ball.
Hong Kong’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule (Group B)
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) | Time (GMT) | Time (Local – UAE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9, Tue | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM GMT | 6:00 PM Local |
| Sep 11, Thu | Bangladesh vs Hong Kong | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM GMT | 6:00 PM Local |
| Sep 15, Mon | Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 7:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM GMT | 6:00 PM Local |
If Hong Kong finishes in the top 2 of Group B, they will qualify for the Super Fours stage starting from September 20, 2025.
Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025: SWOT Analysis
- Strengths: Experienced core with Yasim Murtaza, Babar Hayat, and Nizakat Khan; multiple all-rounders provide balance; decent spin options like Ehsan Khan and Mohammad Ghazanfar.
- Weaknesses: Lack of experience against top-tier Asian sides, fragile batting under pressure, limited pace-bowling depth.
- Opportunities: Chance to upset higher-ranked teams, platform for young players like Ayush Shukla and Zeeshan Ali to shine, good preparation ahead of global qualifiers.
- Threats: Facing Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in group stage makes qualification tough; risk of early batting collapses; big losses could hurt confidence.
Venues for Hong Kong Matches
- Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Known for even batting surfaces and spin-friendly pitches under lights.
- Dubai International Stadium, Dubai – A popular venue for marquee games, including high-voltage night matches.
Tournament Format
- Group Stage: 8 teams divided into 2 groups (A & B).
- Super Fours: Top 2 teams from each group advance.
- Final: Scheduled for September 28, 2025 in Dubai.
Hong Kong Key Players to Watch
- Babar Hayat: Explosive batter, capable of taking down big teams.
- Yasim Murtaza (Captain): Experienced all-rounder and leader.
- Nizakat Khan: Seasoned campaigner with stability at the crease.
- Anshuman Rath: Wicketkeeper-batter with a consistent record.
- Nasrulla Rana & Ehsan Khan: Reliable bowling options for middle and death overs.
Live Streaming & Broadcast (For Hong Kong Matches)
- India: Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar
- Pakistan: Ten Sports, Tapmad
- UAE: CricLife Max (Switch TV, eLife)
- Bangladesh: Gazi TV, Toffee App
- Sri Lanka: SLRC (Channel Eye)
- UK: TNT Sports, TNT Sports App
- USA & Canada: Disney+ Hotstar
- South Africa: SuperSport
Read more: – Asia Cup Winners List (From 1984 to 2025)
Hong Kong’s Challenge
Placed in Group B, Hong Kong will face seasoned teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Each of these matches will be a test of skill and mental strength. Their campaign begins against Afghanistan on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, which will set the tone for the rest of their tournament.
The Asia Cup 2025 is a golden chance for Hong Kong to prove their progress in Asian cricket. With a balanced squad featuring experienced names and rising stars, the team will look to cause upsets and push for a Super Fours spot. Every game is a test of character, but Hong Kong’s fearless cricket and strong all-round core could make them the surprise package of the tournament.
