Just ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, a short T20I tri-series has been confirmed in the UAE, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, a nd the hosts themselves. The matches will be played in Sharjah, starting late August and concluding with a final on September 7, just two days before the Asia Cup kicks off.
Now, while this isn’t the kind of series that grabs global headlines, its timing makes it genuinely meaningful. For all three sides, it’s a final chance to put things in order before the main tournament begins.
A Smart Tune-Up Before the Real Test
The format is simple: each team plays the other two twice, and the top two meet in the final. But what makes it practical is the setting — all teams are already based in the UAE for the Asia Cup, and Sharjah’s conditions (slow pitches, short boundaries) are quite similar to what they’ll face in the coming weeks.
It’s not just convenience — it’s smart scheduling.
Pakistan & Afghanistan Have Points to Prove
Let’s be honest — Pakistan’s T20 form hasn’t been consistent. They’ve had individual brilliance (we’ve seen flashes from Fakhar, Rizwan, even the younger names), but the bigger picture? Still a bit unsettled. Team balance, middle-order clarity, and bowling rotation — all are areas that need fine-tuning. This series gives them a lower-pressure setting to figure that out.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, continues to be one of the most unpredictable sides in T20 cricket. Their spin attack is top-tier — no questions there — but their batting, especially through the middle overs, has been shaky. A few solid games before the Asia Cup might help them find that stability they’ve lacked in crunch situations.
A Big Opportunity for UAE
For the hosts, this isn’t just about participation. It’s a rare and valuable chance to test themselves against full-member sides. Playing at home helps — Sharjah is familiar territory — and their young talents have been quietly building a reputation in the associate circuit.
Players like Muhammad Waseem, Aryan Lakra, and Aayan Khan have shown promise, and this series is the kind of exposure that could accelerate their growth. Even competitive performances, regardless of results, could be a win for UAE cricket in the long run.
It Might Fly Under the Radar — But It Matters
No, this tri-series won’t break viewership records. But it serves a real purpose:
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Finalising squads
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Giving players a match rhythm
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Testing combinations
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Reducing the risk of going into a major tournament cold
These kinds of matches — often seen as just warm-ups — are where coaches take mental notes and selectors make final calls.
And for players on the fringe, this is the moment to make sure they’re not just travelling with the team — they’re part of the first-choice XI.
Quick Summary
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What: T20I Tri-Series — Pakistan, Afghanistan, UAE
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Where: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
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When: Starts late August | Final on September 7, 2025
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Format: Round-robin followed by final
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Purpose: Match practice ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9
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