Cricket in the UAE is entering an exciting phase. With back-to-back tournaments scheduled on home soil — first the T20I Tri-Nation Series featuring Afghanistan and Pakistan, followed by the much-anticipated T20 Asia Cup 2025 — the UAE national team has announced a refreshed 15-member squad under the leadership of Muhammad Waseem. This announcement marks a significant opportunity for UAE to both showcase emerging talent and fine-tune strategies ahead of a jam-packed September calendar.
A Revamped UAE Squad for Sharjah Showdown
The upcoming triangular series from August 29 to September 7 will serve as both a high-stakes test and a rehearsal for UAE’s campaign in the Asia Cup, which starts just two days later. The UAE Cricket Board (ECB) has selected a 15-man squad, up from the 14 players who participated in the Pearl of Africa Cup in Uganda.
Four New Faces Join the Core
The squad features four fresh inclusions:
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Harshit Kaushik – 28-year-old left-handed batter and part-time left-arm spinner. Yet to debut internationally.
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Junaid Siddique – Veteran medium pacer with 96 T20I wickets across 71 games.
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Muhammad Farooq – 32-year-old leg-spinning allrounder with 9 wickets in 8 T20Is.
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Muhammad Jawadullah – 26-year-old left-arm quick with 54 wickets from 33 T20Is.
These players replace Akif Raja, Matiullah Khan, and Zuhaib Zubair, who were part of the Uganda tour. Kaushik’s addition is notable, marking a bold move by selectors to inject new energy into the middle order.
Consistency in Key Roles
The rest of the squad maintains continuity, with Muhammad Waseem leading from the front, supported by the likes of Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, and Rahul Chopra. Also included is Muhammad Zohaib, who emerged as UAE’s standout batter during the Pearl of Africa Cup, along with promising names like Saghir Khan and Haider Ali.
Veteran Experience Blended With Youth
Under the guidance of head coach Lalchand Rajput, a former India opener, the UAE squad is strategically composed of experienced campaigners and rising stars.
Spotlight on Bowling Depth
The bowling department has considerable depth:
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Junaid Siddique brings years of experience across formats and franchise leagues such as ILT20 and Global T20 Canada.
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Jawadullah, known for his consistent pace and accuracy, adds variety as a left-armer.
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Farooq offers a leg-spin option, valuable on the slower tracks of Sharjah.
This trio complements part-timers like Kaushik and middle-order hitters who can chip in with overs. UAE’s ability to rotate bowlers and utilize matchups could play a key role in turning games, especially under pressure.
Batting Backbone
At the top, Waseem’s aggressive style is crucial. Aryansh Sharma and Asif Khan have shown promise, while Zohaib’s recent form suggests he could be the breakout star of the Tri-Series.
With an evolving top and middle order, backed by adaptable finishers, UAE will be aiming to post competitive totals and chase confidently against full-member sides like Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Tri-Series Fixtures and Strategic Objectives
The Tri-Series will be held at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and follows a round-robin format. Each team plays the others twice before the top two advance to the final on September 7.
UAE Fixtures
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August 30 – vs Pakistan
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September 1 – vs Afghanistan
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September 4 – vs Pakistan
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September 5 – vs Afghanistan
The short turnaround time between matches will test the squad’s fitness and bench strength. It also gives the coaching staff an opportunity to trial combinations in pressure situations — perfect preparation for the Asia Cup.
A Dress Rehearsal for Asia Cup 2025
UAE is grouped with India, Oman, and Pakistan in the Asia Cup, beginning September 9. The final squad for that tournament is yet to be confirmed, meaning performances during the Tri-Series will likely influence final selection.
Coaching and Tactical Leadership
Lalchand Rajput’s Tactical Vision
Rajput’s tenure has emphasized fitness, fielding, and flexibility. With experience coaching Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Rajput brings a wealth of global cricket knowledge. His coaching philosophy emphasizes:
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Bowling discipline in T20s
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Flexible batting orders based on match-ups
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Emphasis on powerplay and death-over execution
His leadership will be critical in bridging the gap between associate and full-member teams — a key ambition of UAE cricket.
Captain Waseem: From Player to Pillar
Since taking over as captain, Muhammad Waseem has become the heart of the UAE team. His batting, often explosive at the top, also carries the burden of anchoring innings. With the dual responsibility of captain and lead batter, Waseem’s tactical calls and personal form will shape UAE’s destiny in both tournaments.
Players to Watch During the Series
1. Muhammad Zohaib
Explosive and technically sound, Zohaib was UAE’s best batter in Uganda. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate makes him ideal for the No. 4 position.
2. Junaid Siddique
UAE’s most experienced bowler, Siddique’s variations and calm under pressure make him the go-to bowler in crunch moments.
3. Harshit Kaushik
Though uncapped, Kaushik’s domestic numbers and all-round capabilities are promising. His debut, if it happens, could be a storyline to watch.
4. Aryansh Sharma
As a wicket-keeper batter, Sharma brings dual utility. His glovework and ability to bat anywhere in the top six add valuable flexibility to the lineup.
Conclusion
The UAE national team stands on the brink of an important cricketing stretch. With matches against elite teams and the Asia Cup spotlight looming, this revamped squad offers a mix of calculated risk and proven skill. The Tri-Series in Sharjah is more than a warm-up — it’s a proving ground.
Fans across the region, and worldwide, can catch all the action live via livestreamcricket.cc, where high-definition coverage meets real-time updates and commentary. Don’t miss the rise of a team ready to punch above its weight on the global stage. This September, the UAE could very well be cricket’s most compelling underdog story.
