India’s balance makes them the frontrunners to defend their title.
Pakistan’s young squad adds unpredictability under new leadership.
Afghanistan’s spin attack could be the X-factor in UAE conditions
The countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 has begun, with the tournament set to light up the UAE from September 9 to 28. Eight teams will battle for continental glory in the T20 format, with all eyes on the traditional giants—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan—who are expected to dominate the tournament.
Here’s a look at their likely playing XIs as the competition gets underway.
India – Defending Champions
Predicted XI: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
Pakistan – New Captain, New Hope
Predicted XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka – Former Champions
Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Afghanistan – Spin-Powered Force
Predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
