T20I Tri-Series Trophy Unveiled in Sharjah Ahead of Asia Cup 2025

The trophy for the highly anticipated T20I Tri-Nation Series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was officially unveiled on Thursday at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This stadium has hosted some of the most memorable cricketing moments over the decades, and now it sets the stage for another exciting chapter in the sport.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by the three team captains, adding star power to the occasion. Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha, Afghanistan’s world-class all-rounder Rashid Khan, and UAE’s captain Muhammad Waseem proudly posed with the glittering trophy. Their presence not only highlighted the importance of the series but also built anticipation among fans who are eager to see their favorite players in action.

The T20I tri-series will take place from August 29 to September 7, with all matches scheduled at the same venue in Sharjah. The event is considered an important warm-up ahead of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which is also being hosted in the UAE from September 9 to 28. For all three teams, the series will serve as an opportunity to test combinations, strengthen their squads, and get used to the UAE’s playing conditions before the major continental tournament begins.

Interestingly, the tri-series was not part of the original schedule. Initially, Pakistan was set to host Afghanistan in a bilateral T20I series this August. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggested turning the contest into a tri-nation tournament by inviting the UAE. The idea was also to move the series to UAE so that the teams could prepare better for the Asia Cup, given the similar conditions. This decision was welcomed as it not only adds more competitive matches but also gives UAE cricket valuable exposure against stronger teams.

The tournament will kick off on Friday, August 29, with Pakistan facing Afghanistan in the opening clash under the floodlights at 7:00 pm local time. Cricket fans are already excited about this matchup, as both teams have a strong rivalry and are known for producing thrilling encounters.

Each team will face the other twice in the group stage, guaranteeing at least four matches for every side. After the round-robin games, the top two teams will advance to the final, which is set to be played on September 7 at 7:00 pm local time. This format ensures plenty of cricketing action and gives fans multiple chances to watch their teams battle it out.

Pakistan Squad

Pakistan has announced a well-balanced squad, mixing young talent with experienced names. The squad includes:

• Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

With power hitters like Fakhar Zaman, young stars such as Hasan Nawaz, and experienced pacers including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, Pakistan will be aiming to dominate the series and carry their momentum into the Asia Cup.

UAE Squad

The UAE team, led by the explosive opener Muhammad Waseem, is looking forward to challenging the more established cricketing nations. Their squad includes:

• Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (WK), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (WK), Rohid Khan, and Saghir Khan.

This tournament will be a golden chance for the UAE players to gain international experience and showcase their skills against some of the best cricketers in the world.

Afghanistan Squad

Afghanistan, captained by Rashid Khan, will once again rely on their mix of youthful energy and seasoned campaigners. Their squad includes:

• Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Ishaq, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Farid Ahmad Malik, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

With hard-hitting batters like Gurbaz, experienced all-rounders like Nabi, and a world-class spin attack led by Rashid and Mujeeb, Afghanistan is expected to be a strong contender for the trophy.

Full Schedule for the T20I Tri-Series in UAE

• 29 August – Afghanistan vs Pakistan – 7:00 pm local time
• 30 August – UAE vs Pakistan – 7:00 pm local time
• 1 September – UAE vs Afghanistan – 7:00 pm local time
• 2 September – Pakistan vs Afghanistan – 7:00 pm local time
• 4 September – Pakistan vs UAE – 7:00 pm local time
• 5 September – Afghanistan vs UAE – 7:00 pm local time
• 7 September – Final – 7:00 pm local time

This tri-series is not just about winning a trophy; it is about momentum, team building, and adapting to conditions before the Asia Cup. Fans across Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE, along with global cricket lovers, will be keeping a close eye on these matches as they promise exciting cricket and unforgettable moments.

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