The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to announce its final squad for the Asia Cup 2025 on August 19 or 20, according to reliable Indian media sources.
The national selectors, along with the team management, have already started detailed discussions to finalise the playing group. Player fitness and recent performances will be the primary criteria, with the final decision hinging on results from comprehensive medical and fitness assessments. The BCCI is determined to include only fully fit players to ensure peak performance in the continental tournament.
Likely Inclusions and Omissions
Reports suggest that Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and KL Rahul are likely to miss out on the squad. On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have almost sealed their spots.
One of the key talking points is the selection of Test captain Shubman Gill. His dominant performances in the recent Test series against England have strengthened his case for a place in the T20 squad, although no official confirmation has been made. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will only be included if he clears the final fitness tests.
Asia Cup 2025 – Groups and Format
The ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will kick off on September 9 with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in a Group B clash. The tournament will feature eight teams, divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, UAE, Oman
- Group B: Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong
Pakistan’s Matches:
- Sep 12: vs Oman
- Sep 14: vs India (high-voltage encounter)
- Sep 17: vs UAE
Full Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
Group Stage:
- Sep 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
- Sep 10: India vs UAE
- Sep 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
- Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman
- Sep 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
- Sep 14: India vs Pakistan
- Sep 15: UAE vs Oman, Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
- Sep 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
- Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE
- Sep 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
- Sep 19: India vs Oman
Super Four Stage:
- Sep 20: B1 vs B2
- Sep 21: A1 vs A2
- Sep 23: A2 vs B1
- Sep 24: A1 vs B2
- Sep 25: A2 vs B2
- Sep 26: A1 vs B1
Final:
- Sep 28: Top two teams from the Super Four