Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, with all eight participating teams of the region gearing up to along with their impact players, to shine in the tournament.
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28, will feature eight teams to compete for the title in T20 format. Unlike the previous edition, which was played in ODIs.
The five members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India, will be directly qualified for the tournament, later joined by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Hong Kong – the remaining top three teams of ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2024.
After defeating Pakistan by 22 runs in the last edition, Sri Lanka claimed their sixth Asia Cup title and their first in T20Is, entering the tournament as the defending champions.
Beyond the squads and venues, it’s the impact players who have the ability to shape the tournament run for their teams, from already established stars to rising talents.
Here is the list of players to watch out for in the Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan – Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha is set to make his Asia Cup debut as captain. The 31-year-old all-rounder will be a crucial figure for the team.
Holding the batting position no. 5, which was dominated by Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, Agha has the ability to anchor the innings or play aggressively to finish the game.
According to the most recent data taken from espn, Salman Ali Agha got chance to bat in 22 innings out of 24 matches, scored 465 runs at an average of 27.35 with a strike rate of 118.32.
The highest score of Salman Ali Agha in T20Is is 56.
India – Axar Patel
India will be counting on Axar Patel’s all-round abilities in the Asia Cup 2025. The 31-year-old played a vital role in India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign in 2024, making key contributions with both bat and ball.
In the final, he scored a quickfire 47 off 31 deliveries before being run out and also took a crucial wicket during a pressure phase. Given that UAE conditions often support spin, Axar’s experience and versatility could be a game-changer.
With 71 T20I wickets at an economy of 7.3 and 535 runs at a strike rate of 140, he remains a reliable player to shape the match in both disciplines.
READ: Full schedule, groups, stats, and venue; all you need to know about Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan – AM Ghazanfar
19-year-old spinner AM Ghazanfar returns to the Afghanistan squad for the Asia Cup after sitting out the Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury.
While he has featured in only one T20I so far, his two five-wicket hauls in just 11 ODIs have already put him on the radar of analysts and fans alike.
He also left a strong impression on the U-19 World Cup 2024. Although an injury kept him out of the tournament, his control, variety, and maturity make him a young talent to keep an eye on in Asia Cup 2025.
Sri Lanka – Wanindu Hasaranga
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga remains a crucial figure in Sri Lanka’s bowling lineup, particularly on the dry, spin-friendly pitches in the UAE.
After missing the recent Zimbabwe series due to injury, he is expected to return in time for the Asia Cup 2025. Hasaranga had a standout 2024, ending the year as Sri Lanka’s top wicket-taker in T20Is with 38 dismissals.
A key contributor in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2022 triumph, he scored 36 off 21 and grabbed three vital wickets in the final. Expectations are high for another match-winning performance from him this time around.
Bangladesh – Rishad Hossain
At just 23 years old, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s most promising bowlers. He made headlines in the T20 World Cup 2024, finishing as the sixth-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in seven matches – an all-time best for a Bangladeshi bowler at the tournament.
In 40 T20Is, he has claimed 48 wickets with a strike rate of 16.7. His performances in PSL 10 for Lahore Qalandars were equally notable, taking nine wickets at an average of 16.44 and maintaining a tight economy of 5.78.
His knack for breakthroughs and pressure-building makes him a real threat in the middle overs.
Hong Kong – Babar Hayat
One of Hong Kong’s most experienced players, Babar Hayat is among the few to have scored a century in T20 Asia Cup history.
With over 2,200 runs in T20Is, he is the second-highest run-scorer for Hong Kong and boasts a strike rate of over 130.
Renowned for his technique, especially against spin, and his ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed, Hayat will be key to Hong Kong’s campaign in the UAE.
Oman – Jatinder Singh
Making their first appearance at the Asia Cup, Oman will be led by veteran batter Jatinder Singh. The 36-year-old has accumulated 1,399 runs in T20Is, averaging 24 with a strike rate of 118.
A steady top-order presence, his leadership and batting consistency will be central to Oman’s prospects in their maiden tournament appearance.
UAE – Muhammad Waseem
The captain of UAE, Muhammad Waseem, comes into the tournament in stellar form, having recently broken the record (Surpassing India’s Rohit Sharma) for most sixes by a captain in T20Is.
With 2,859 runs in 80 T20I innings, an average of 38, and a strike rate of 156, Waseem is one of the most explosive openers in the associate circuit.
His aggressive intent at the top of the order often sets the tone for UAE’s innings, making him a key figure in the team’s campaign.
With a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talents, the 2025 Asia Cup promises high-intensity matchups and a preview of what’s to come in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
