Pakistan, Afghanistan & UAE T20I Tri-Series (2025) - Discussion Thread

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan will feature in a tri-series involving Afghanistan and the UAE from 29 August to 7 September at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The T20I tournament will serve as a launching pad for the teams to prepare for and acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the eight-team ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in the UAE from 9 to 28 September.

The opening match of the tri-series tournament will be played between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday, 29 August, with the first ball to bowled at 7pm local time. Each team will play the others twice, giving all sides at least four matches before the top two teams qualify for the final, scheduled on 7 September.

Tournament schedule (all matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium):

29 August – Afghanistan v Pakistan – 7pm local time

30 August – UAE v Pakistan – 7pm local time

1 September – UAE v Afghanistan – 7pm local time

2 September – Pakistan v Afghanistan – 7pm local time

4 September – Pakistan v UAE – 7pm local time

5 September – Afghanistan v UAE – 7pm local time

7 September – Final – 7pm local time

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Can't escape this damn T20. Just can't.

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

Can't escape this damn T20. Just can't.

Its going to be fun though bro vs this afghan world class spinners.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Only in cricket do you have a warm up tournament, where team play each other before playing each other in the asia cup, which itself has been scheduled as a warm up to the world T20, where the same teams will probably play again.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Only in cricket do you have a warm up tournament, where team play each other before playing each other in the asia cup, which itself has been scheduled as a warm up to the world T20, where the same teams will probably play again.

all happening in the name of preperation but wait for the real event and we will see how these guys fail badly.

 

[Ball Blazer]

Preparing for t20 world cup by playing against recently whitewashed WI, and now UAE and AFG to handle big teams in the tournament later.

 

[Rana]

Triple threat barbed wire hardcore match

@shaz619

Mankind v Taker v Kane!

 

[shaz619]

Triple threat barbed wire hardcore match

@shaz619

Mankind v Taker v Kane!

Pakistan (Taker) as we literally rise from the dead, Afghanistan is Mankind for sure, how many times have they been thrown from top of Hell in a Cell now? but keep getting back up And I guess that leaves us with Kane who can be represented by the UAE, when you look at his affairs these days outside wrestling, he’s like the UAE, trying to get in bed with anybody and everybody to further their agenda

 

[shaz619]

Preparing for t20 world cup by playing against recently whitewashed WI, and now UAE and AFG to handle big teams in the tournament later.

In T20’s, regardless of the opposition, you need to get comfortable developing a certain style of play which is required in 2025, with a new team, this is fine. You see some of the best teams in the world, and they don’t adjust how they should be playing against top and lower ranked sides. I am not saying don’t play England or Australia but I don’t believe these series are a hinderance for the current T20 Pak side, they use to be when you never tested your bench or experimented with changing how you play after repeated failures, and used the matches more as a way to pad your stats and secure future selection; I don’t think that’s on the agenda currently….

 

[shariqnoor]

Zero need to play any of the established players. Just send the Shaheens to play this series. In any case, Afghanistan should easily wrap up the series in their favor as it is in Sharjah with those 130 type pitches.

 

[sweep_shot]

It is basically a 3-match T20 series between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I don't expect UAE to win any game.

Can't escape this damn T20. Just can't.

Agree. Too many T20s. I prefer Test and ODI.

 

[shamaan]

Don't mind them playing Afghanistan.

 

[Kianig89]

Banana peel it will be or chance for some epic minnow bashing , why not arrange a farewell for Sharjeel Khan in this Series

 

[TeymurBlake]

This Tri series is what it is.

However facing Afghanistan in spinning conditions will be a challenge the Pakistan batters need to face.

They could easily face them in the T20WC 2026. Need as much practice as they can get.

 

[sweep_shot]

This Tri series is what it is.

However facing Afghanistan in spinning conditions will be a challenge the Pakistan batters need to face.

They could easily face them in the T20WC 2026. Need as much practice as they can get.

Yes. It is a good practice to face the Afghans in UAE conditions.

It is like a 3-match T20 series between Pakistan and Afghanistan (2 games in group stage + final). I don't expect UAE to win any game even though they have improved.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Afghan boys should win this series. LOL

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Pakistan are a very well prepared white ball side at all times.

Played plenty of T20 cricket ahead of the previous World T20 with full strength sides and then played plenty of ODI cricket ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 with full strength sides.

Even before 2019 World Cup, played plenty of matches in England.

Now preparing even for Asia Cup.

Fans should consider themselves lucky to be supporting a side that is always preparing for team combinations and conditions so meticulously.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

Pakistan are a very well prepared white ball side at all times.

Played plenty of T20 cricket ahead of the previous World T20 with full strength sides and then played plenty of ODI cricket ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 with full strength sides.

Even before 2019 World Cup, played plenty of matches in England.

Now preparing even for Asia Cup.

Fans should consider themselves lucky to be supporting a side that is always preparing for team combinations and conditions so meticulously.

Despite having ample time and matches to prepare, they're not utilizing it effectively, which could impact their performance

 

[BDfanforever]

1. ODI is done for(although it was always my favorite format)
2. Test is predominately between big 3. WTC RSA also dont care much about Tests.
3. T20 is the future(I personally would've preferred one for all LOI format like a T30).

They can add Bangladesh and have a mini Asia cup before the Asia cup lol.

 

[Hellion]

1. ODI is done for(although it was always my favorite format)
2. Test is predominately between big 3. WTC RSA also dont care much about Tests.
3. T20 is the future(I personally would've preferred one for all LOI format like a T30).

They can add Bangladesh and have a mini Asia cup before the Asia cup lol.

Might affect BD's confidence because there's a chance they might get washed by all of UAE, AFG and PAK.

Better to avoid it ,get thrashed anyway in the actual cup and give some fake excuse about lack of preparation,no Zawad Abrar etc.

 

[The_KING]

Sick of T20 cricket already

 

[Ball Blazer]

Sharjah plans separate entry for Pakistan, Afghanistan fans in tri-nation series: Sources​

Ahead of next month’s high-stakes Tri-Nation cricket series, the Sharjah Stadium administration has devised a new strategy to prevent crowd trouble during matches, especially those featuring Pakistan and Afghanistan, sources said.

According to insiders, new regulations are expected to be enforced during the series, including separate entry points and enclosures for Pakistani and Afghan fans. The decision comes in light of repeated clashes between supporters of both nations in past encounters.

“Afghan fans tend to become emotional during intense matches,” a stadium official said. “To ensure safety, we’re planning to seat fans in separate sections.”

Tensions between supporters have flared in previous matches, including incidents during the Asia Cup in Sharjah when Afghan fans clashed with Pakistani spectators following a dramatic win by Pakistan’s Naseem Shah. Similar episodes were reported at the 2019 World Cup match in Leeds.

The much-anticipated Pakistan-Afghanistan matches in the Tri-Nation Series are scheduled for August 29 and September 2. With large crowds expected, the stadium management aims to maintain order and enhance security.

Sharjah plans separate entry for Pakistan, Afghanistan fans in tri-nation series

Sharjah Stadium to enforce separate entry and seating for Afghan, Pakistani fans in Tri-Nation Series.

www.samaa.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

Afghanistan name preliminary squad for upcoming tri-series

A good blend of youth and experience as Afghanistan unveil their squad for matches over the next two months.

Afghanistan have revealed a 22-player preliminary squad for the upcoming tri-series with Pakistan and UAE.

Experienced spinner Rashid Khan will captain the side, while white-ball stars Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi that helped Afghanistan qualify for the knockout stage of last year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup are also included.

Youngsters Wafiullah Tarakhil, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Bashir Ahmad also win spots in the preliminary squad and could be in contention for a first international cap if chosen for selection.

The squad will undergo a two-week training camp ahead of the tri-series in Sharjah, with the side's first match set for August 29 against Pakistan.

Afghanistan preliminary squad: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharoti, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Zadran, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq, Farid Malik, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad.

ICC

 

[sweep_shot]

Sick of T20 cricket already

Me too. I miss pre-T20 days. Cricket world was awesome before 2005.

Anyway, I hope this series will be a good one.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

As per reports Pakistan is expected to name an 18-player squad,three more than usual for the upcoming T20I tri-series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Sources indicate that the national men’s selection committee has begun preliminary discussions regarding the squad. They will now seek input from T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson, who arrived back in the country earlier today following the white-ball series against West Indies with the formal announcement expected in the next two to three days.

 

[topspin]

Great chance for Rizbar to get back in the runs. This is their level.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Great chance for Rizbar to get back in the runs. This is their level.

He and Babar are not gonna get a chance here... They will not be selected..

 

[Asif321]

Afghanistan favourites

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Afghanistan favourites

Yes they should be favourites. They have world class spinners and decent batsmen. Pakistan beating Afghanistan would be a upset at the moment given the current trajectory of the Pakistan side.

 

[Devadwal]

Hopefully now Pakistan fans won't cry when they will lose Asia Cup matches against India.

They will be well prepared for Asia cup considering they are playing tri Series in UAE just before Asia cup

 

[BouncerGuy]

Hopefully now Pakistan fans won't cry when they will lose Asia Cup matches against India.

They will be well prepared for Asia cup considering they are playing tri Series in UAE just before Asia cup

So India has backtracked from thier DESH BHAKTI and are going to play Pakistan now???

LOL

 

[Hellion]

Hopefully now Pakistan fans won't cry when they will lose Asia Cup matches against India.

They will be well prepared for Asia cup considering they are playing tri Series in UAE just before Asia cup

Pakistan always prepare very well for all these tournaments.

It's just that they lose anyway and then fans look for excuses.

First they blamed Aqib because of political agendas.

But now that gora Hesson is also failing - "Give him time, he is new to the job" is the excuse.

 

[Devadwal]

So India has backtracked from thier DESH BHAKTI and are going to play Pakistan now???

LOL

I'm assuming india is playing Asia cup .

Looks like , like Basit Ali you too are hoping that somehow India boycotts the match against Pakistan so they can saved from epic humiliation in the hand of India.

Keep praying your wishes May accepted by lord's .

 

[BouncerGuy]

Looks like , like Basit Ali you too are hoping that somehow India boycotts the match against Pakistan so they can saved from epic humiliation in the hand of India.

unlike basit, I am hoping that India plays so that your DESH BHAKTI EGO can die thousands of death brother..

Come on

 

[BouncerGuy]

Anyway, the thread is about tri-series so find relevant thread for your hoohaah

 

[Devadwal]

unlike basit, I am hoping that India plays so that your DESH BHAKTI EGO can die thousands of death brother..

Come on

Defeating Pakistan infront the whole cricketing World is also pleasure to watch with Full HD Quality cameras. :k

 

[BouncerGuy]

Anyway, the thread is about tri-series so find relevant thread for your hoohaah

AGAIN

 

[Mesozoic]

Good to see more tri series happening these days..


Going to be cracking contest between Pakistan and UAE to see who loses to Afghanistan in the final.

 

[Obaidd]

Serious question, why does this series exist?

 

[Obaidd]

Serious question, why does this series exist?

OP mentions it’s to acclimatise to conditions. Makes sense, who better to play than UAE.

 

[Major]

Only in cricket do you have a warm up tournament, where team play each other before playing each other in the asia cup, which itself has been scheduled as a warm up to the world T20, where the same teams will probably play again.

Reminds me of the pakistan vs India during the 2008 era. We played a series, than a kitply cup and than the Asia Cup.

The indians probably celebrate the series win, we celebrated the kitply cup, and i think we gave the lankans the Asia cup

 

[Usman Chadda]

Serious question, why does this series exist?

So Pakistan cricketers can stoop even lower and lose to UAE twice in a few days?

 

[Obaidd]

So Pakistan cricketers can stoop even lower and lose to UAE twice in a few days?

this series is a trap, if Pak wins this, I don’t know what that should even mean and if we lose?.. well boys can cut a cake and get ready for Asia cup (a cup that exists so that Ind can play Pak twice or thrice without them having to play a series).

This ‘tournament’ is created out of practice matches for a bigger scam tournament. The flimsiness is not helped by the fact that it’s t20 cricket with ‘desi’ broadcasters. It’s a cringe fest we didn’t know we needed.

 

[Obaidd]

Exciting series at the home of cricket UAE

 

[sweep_shot]

So Pakistan cricketers can stoop even lower and lose to UAE twice in a few days?

UAE beat NZ in a T20 last time NZ toured UAE.

They have some good hitters.

In T20, any team can win. It is a volatile format.

 

[Energy]

Cracker of a series.

Win or loose, Pakistani fans will be beaten up by Afghans after the hunger games.

 

[Greenstorm]

Cracker of a series.

Win or loose, Pakistani fans will be beaten up by Afghans after the hunger games.

Pakistani fans in Sharjah will be mostly laborers from KPK and North Punjab so it will be a good fight this time around. Infact, there won't be a fight because of this reason.

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistani fans in Sharjah will be mostly laborers from KPK and North Punjab so it will be a good fight this time around. Infact, there won't be a fight because of this reason.

Fighting in UAE can cause deportations. I don't think anyone will fight because their livelihoods are on the line.

 

[Obaidd]

Last time pak came here to play Ind, we weren’t ready as the our matches were going on elsewhere and Ind could just sit in Dubai. In the long run, it didn’t help India because I don’t think any serious cricket fan considers that cup to be fair so it’s not like the cricketing world sees the win as legit.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Gonna be a good fight between Pakistan and Afghans... This rivalry is getting heated and hyped more and more.

 

[Hellion]

Last time pak came here to play Ind, we weren’t ready as the our matches were going on elsewhere and Ind could just sit in Dubai. In the long run, it didn’t help India because I don’t think any serious cricket fan considers that cup to be fair so it’s not like the cricketing world sees the win as legit.

Yes, now that Pakistan wont have to travel , there should be no excuses for not beating India

 

[BouncerGuy]

Tri-Series and Asia Cup

The Pakistan T20 squad has arrived in Dubai.

The team reached Dubai in four groups and will take part in a pre-series training camp from 21 to 27 August.

Tomorrow, the Pakistan team will participate in a training session at the ICC Academy.

 

[Obaidd]

Yes, now that Pakistan wont have to travel , there should be no excuses for not beating India

This time we are a little short on Category A players but yeah playing against UAE and Afghanistan spinners should be good practice before the cup.

 

[The_KING]

Afghanistan are the favourites to win this series.

Pakistan are so pathetic right now that I won't be surprised if they lose to UAE.

 

[Obaidd]

Really no body is talking about this series unfortunately. PCB should hype it up a bit.

Given that these are the fixtures we get. I am now looking ahead to this series under Agha-Hesson and see what they got.

What I fear is PCB management interfering in matters beyond their business e.g., playing xi, batting order etc

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Dubai: Tri-Nation Series, Pakistan T20 Camp Begins

First day of training for the national squad at the ICC Academy.

Players participated in a three-hour practice session.

Batters and bowlers had net practice under the supervision of coaches.

Players had physical and fielding drills before the practice session.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Shaheen Shah Afridi shared following thoughts in a media talk today:

On challenge of upcoming T20I Tri-Series:

"In T20I, you cannot underestimate any team but we are quite confident of our team comprising of many youngsters and hopefully they will do great. And the great thing is, we have arrived here earlier and that will help us prepare better for the Asia Cup too."

On Team Unity

"I only come to hear about the disunity in our team from outside. There is nothing like that in the team. One or two small things also come up in the family, but such things should stay in the family. Our job is to play cricket and we have to play for Pakistan. We have to give happiness to everyone and we are doing that. Everyone has their own opinion. He should be respected."

Regarding Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Not Being in the Squad:

"Look, I won’t be there tomorrow either. What’s important is this: it’s not about me saying I shouldn’t be. Everyone deserves a chance. Rizwan and Babar are world-class players who have represented Pakistan. Babar has played excellent cricket and, God willing, he will return and play again in the future. But opportunities have to be given to others as well, and sometimes you miss out. The youngsters currently getting chances are also our players, and they deserve our support. I believe the more we invest in backing young talent, the better. It’s not about criticizing anyone—these are new players who haven’t done wrong; they are part of our team too, and they should be nurtured and carried forward."

 

[Hellion]

PAK are favourites to win

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan Cricket Team Practice Match

In the practice match, Salman Eleven defeated Haris Eleven by two runs.

Salman Eleven batted first and scored 142 runs in the allotted overs.

Hassan Nawaz from Salman Eleven stood out with 50 runs off 39 balls.

Saem Ayub scored 45 and Sahibzada Farhan scored 25 runs.

From Haris Eleven, Safyaan Muqeem took three wickets, while Salman Mirza and Hasan Ali took two wickets each.

Chasing the target, Haris Eleven scored 140 runs in 19.5 overs before getting out.

Mohammad Irfan scored 36 and Mayank Chaudhry scored 30 runs, both performing well.

From Salman Eleven, Shaheen Afridi took five wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha took two wickets each.

The Pakistan team will rest tomorrow.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Pakistan Cricket Team Practice Match

In the practice match, Salman Eleven defeated Haris Eleven by two runs.

Salman Eleven batted first and scored 142 runs in the allotted overs.

Hassan Nawaz from Salman Eleven stood out with 50 runs off 39 balls.

Saem Ayub scored 45 and Sahibzada Farhan scored 25 runs.

From Haris Eleven, Safyaan Muqeem took three wickets, while Salman Mirza and Hasan Ali took two wickets each.

Chasing the target, Haris Eleven scored 140 runs in 19.5 overs before getting out.

Mohammad Irfan scored 36 and Mayank Chaudhry scored 30 runs, both performing well.

From Salman Eleven, Shaheen Afridi took five wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha took two wickets each.

The Pakistan team will rest tomorrow.

Mayank Chaudhry desh dhrohi @Rajdeep

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Dubai: Tri-nation series and Asia Cup preparations

The national squad trained at the ICC Academy where players participated in a three-hour practice session.

The training focused on adapting to the conditions, batters and bowlers had net practice under the supervision of coaches.

Physical and fielding drills were conducted before the practice session.

 

[sharjil]

Which channels are going to broadcast the TRI series involving PAK, AFG and the UAE?

 

[Ball Blazer]

Which channels are going to broadcast the TRI series involving PAK, AFG and the UAE?

Broadcasters are not yet announced

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Dubai: Pakistan Cricket Team Practice Match

In the second practice match, Salman Agha XI defeated Saim Ayub XI by 4 wickets. Batting first, Saim Ayub XI scored 136 runs.

For Saim Ayub XI, Faheem Ashraf scored 41 runs off 23 balls, while Fakhar Zaman contributed 30 runs off 27 balls.

From Salman Agha XI, Abrar Ahmed took 3 wickets.

Chasing the target, Hasan Nawaz scored 42 runs off 19 balls, and Salman Ali Agha scored 30 runs off 23 balls for Salman Agha XI. Mohammad Haris remained not out with 32 runs off 18 balls.

For Saim Ayub XI, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saim Ayub took two wickets each.

 

[Obaidd]

Dubai: Pakistan Cricket Team Practice Match

In the second practice match, Salman Agha XI defeated Saim Ayub XI by 4 wickets. Batting first, Saim Ayub XI scored 136 runs.

For Saim Ayub XI, Faheem Ashraf scored 41 runs off 23 balls, while Fakhar Zaman contributed 30 runs off 27 balls.

From Salman Agha XI, Abrar Ahmed took 3 wickets.

Chasing the target, Hasan Nawaz scored 42 runs off 19 balls, and Salman Ali Agha scored 30 runs off 23 balls for Salman Agha XI. Mohammad Haris remained not out with 32 runs off 18 balls.

For Saim Ayub XI, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saim Ayub took two wickets each.

M Haris remained not out in team practice match. Hope he can stay on the crease for that long in a real match now

 

[BouncerGuy]

M Haris remained not out in team practice match. Hope he can stay on the crease for that long in a real match now

He done it once in his 23 t20 games...