Asia’s grandest cricketing show set to test nextgen leaders
The much-anticipated ACC T20 Asia Cup 2025 gets underway on Tuesday, bringing together the continent’s best cricketing nations for a fierce battle of supremacy. After a two-year break, the stage is set for fireworks, fresh leadership, and the emergence of new stars in Asia’s premier cricket competition.World T20 champions and defending Asia Cup holders India arrive with a revamped side under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, who succeeded Rohit Sharma as captain in August 2024. Gone are stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit, both retired from T20 internationals, replaced by exciting young names such as Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. India, however, remain firm favourites with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav in their ranks.
The Pakistan camp, in contrast, continues its captaincy merry-go-round. After spells with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the responsibility now rests with Salman Ali Agha. Since taking over in March, he has overseen two series wins and one defeat, and will be under pressure to deliver in this high-profile tournament. With Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the pace attack, Pakistan remain a side no opponent can take lightly.
For Sri Lanka, the runners-up of 2023, a new era beckons with Charith Asalanka as captain. Their talisman Wanindu Hasaranga, fit again after a hamstring injury, returns to bolster both spin and batting depth. The Islanders, aiming for a seventh Asia Cup crown, also boast bowling strength in Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and young speedster Matheesha Pathirana.
Bangladesh will be led by Litton Das, who doubles up as wicketkeeper. With a blend of youthful promise in Towhid Hridoy and experience in Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, the Tigers hope to shake off their tag of underachievers and make a deep run.
Afghanistan, under the inspirational leadership of Rashid Khan, remain one of the most dangerous outfits in the competition. With power-hitters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran at the top, and a potent bowling attack spearheaded by Mujeeb ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi, the Afghans have the balance to challenge anyone.
Among the qualifiers, Hong Kong, led by Yasim Murtaza, bring a squad packed with familiar faces like Babar Hayat and Anshuman Rath. Oman, under Jatinder Singh, will look to make their presence felt with a squad rich in all-rounders, while the United Arab Emirates, captained by Muhammad Waseem, boast a side combining youthful talent with experienced campaigners.
Only the top two from each group will progress to the Super Four stage, where the competition intensifies before the grand final. The Asia Cup has always produced high-voltage clashes, none more so than the India-Pakistan rivalry that is set to light up Group ‘A’.
Meanwhile, Group ‘B’ promises unpredictability, with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh all capable of upsetting the balance. With new leaders, fresh talents, and Asia’s cricketing giants ready to collide, the 2025 edition promises to be one of the most competitive Asia Cups yet.
| Teams | |
|