UAE to host Pakistan and Afghanistan in Tri-Series ahead of Asia Cup

Dubai: In a major boost to their Asia Cup preparations, the UAE will host a T20I Tri-Series featuring Pakistan and Afghanistan at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Thursday.

The tri-series will see each team play the others twice in a six-match group stage, with the top two progressing to the final on September 7. “The tournament will provide the ideal preparation opportunity to the three teams ahead of the eight-team ACC Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the UAE from September 9,” the ECB said in a statement.

For the UAE, the tri-series is part of a steady climb in stature in international cricket, particularly in the T20 format. Drawn in Group A of the Asia Cup alongside heavyweights India and Pakistan, the hosts are bracing for their biggest tests yet. They will face India on September 10, followed by a marquee clash with Pakistan on September 17.

The UAE’s inclusion in the top-tier Asia Cup reflects the team’s growing credentials and a series of strong performances over the past two years. Earlier in 2025, they created history by beating Bangladesh 2-1 in a bilateral T20 series at home — their first-ever series win against a Test-playing nation. That followed notable victories over full-member sides such as the West Indies, New Zealand, and Afghanistan in T20 internationals.

Their recent campaign at the four-nation Pearl of Africa tournament in Uganda also underlined their consistency, as the UAE finished second with four wins and two losses — valuable match practice ahead of the September showpiece.

Much of this improvement can be traced to the success of the International League T20 (ILT20), the UAE’s flagship franchise competition. Now entering its fourth season, the ILT20 has exposed domestic talent to international players and high-pressure scenarios, helping bridge the experience gap. Players like Muhammad Waseem, Aayan Afzal Khan, Alishan Sharufu and Junaid Siddique have stepped up as reliable performers, giving the UAE a core group capable of matching more fancied rivals on their day.

Pakistan, meanwhile, are currently on tour in the Caribbean and will head straight into the UAE tri-series. Afghanistan, who are in Group B of the Asia Cup alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong, will also use the tournament to fine-tune combinations.

Group B of the Asia Cup appears equally competitive. Defending champions Sri Lanka are joined by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the Super 4 stage. Each team will face the others once in the Super 4s, and the top two will meet in the final on September 28.

The Asia Cup, to be played entirely in the UAE, marks the return of a major multi-nation event to the country, which last hosted the tournament in 2022, when Sri Lanka stunned Pakistan in the final. The UAE has also staged other major ICC events in recent years, including the men’s T20 World Cup in 2021 and the women’s edition in 2024.

With the countdown to the Asia Cup underway, the Tri-Series presents the UAE with another opportunity to test themselves against higher-ranked opponents — and perhaps cause a few more upsets along the way.

Pakistan and Afghanistan teams usually enjoy strong support in Sharjah, and details regarding match tickets and broadcast for the T20I Tri-Series are expected to be announced in the coming days.

August 29: Afghanistan vs Pakistan — 7pm

August 30: UAE vs Pakistan — 7pm

September 1: Afghanistan vs UAE — 7pm

September 2: Afghanistan vs Pakistan — 7pm

Sepetmber 4: Pakistan vs UAE — 7pm

September 5: Afghanistan vs UAE — 7pm

September 7: Final — 7pm