Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE Set to Clash in Sharjah Tri-Series
By Shahzaib • Aug 29, 2025
Sharjah, August 29, 2025 — The much-anticipated UAE T20I Tri-Nation Series begins today at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates in what is being seen as a crucial tune-up ahead of the Asia Cup.
Tournament Format
The series will run from August 29 to September 7, with all matches staged in Sharjah. Each team will play the others twice in a round-robin format, followed by a final between the top two sides.
Team Squads
- Pakistan enters with a youthful squad led by Salman Ali Agha, notably without experienced stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The side still boasts big names including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Hasan Ali.
- Afghanistan has named a preliminary squad of 22, with the final lineup to be confirmed after their training camp. Skipper Rashid Khan stressed the unpredictability of T20 cricket, saying his team will need to give “110 percent” to succeed.
- UAE will be led by Muhammad Waseem, captaining a 15-member squad that aims to use home conditions to its advantage.
Strategic Significance
This tri-series serves as more than just a competition. With the Asia Cup starting on September 9, it provides all three sides an opportunity to test combinations, assess form, and adapt strategies under pressure.
Fixtures at a Glance
- Aug 29: Afghanistan vs Pakistan
- Aug 30: UAE vs Pakistan
- Sep 1: UAE vs Afghanistan
- Sep 2: Pakistan vs Afghanistan
- Sep 4: Pakistan vs UAE
- Sep 5: Afghanistan vs UAE
- Sep 7: Final (Top 2 Teams)
What’s at Stake
Pakistan will be looking to regain momentum after a tough series loss to India earlier this month. Afghanistan, meanwhile, continues to rise as a force in T20 cricket and will use this as a chance to sharpen skills before the Asia Cup. For hosts UAE, the series is an opportunity to challenge higher-ranked sides and gain invaluable experience.
With high stakes and passionate fan bases, the Sharjah Tri-Series promises to deliver exciting cricket and vital insights ahead of the continental showdown.