BAN vs AFG Match Preview

We've had some interesting games during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The tournament enters a critical phase, with Bangladesh taking on Afghanistan in the ninth game. Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka in their last game, and they must win this one to advance to the next round. Afghanistan beat Hong Kong in their last game, and the squad will look to build on momentum. Afghanistan looked clinical in their last game. The team has a powerful top order and a powerful spin attack. The conditions suit their method of play, and the team intends to capitalize on this advantage. Bangladesh is going to be under pressure because the match is a must-win for the team. The top order has been struggling throughout the tournament, and the team will face a difficult challenge against the Afghans.

BAN vs AFG Match Details 

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan – 9th Match, Asia Cup 2025

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Date & Time: 16th September 2025 at 08:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

BAN vs AFG Venue Stats 

BAN vs AFG Pitch Report

The pitch has become more bat-friendly, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. It is a difficult venue for fast bowlers because there is nothing on the playing field. Spinners have found success at this venue because the ball turns sharply.

BAN vs AFG Weather Report

Based on the forecast, the humidity will increase gradually throughout the evening. Clear skies and temperatures above 25 degrees throughout.

BAN vs AFG Last Five Matches

BAN vs AFG Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction 9th Match

BAN vs AFG Probable Playing XIs:

Afghanistan Probable Playing XIs

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Bangladesh Probable Playing XIs

Litton Das (c & wk), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

Topmost Picks for BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Bangladesh

• Litton Das – Litton Das is the team's leading run-scorer, with 504 runs in 17 matches, an average of 33.60 and a strike rate of 135.12.
• Tanzim Hasan Sakib – Tanzim Hasan Sakib is the team's leading wicket-taker, with 15 wickets in 14 matches and an economy of 8.27.

Top Picks – Afghanistan

• Sediqullah Atal – Sediqullah Atal is Afghanistan's top run scorer in 2025. He has scored 227 runs in 5 matches, with an average of 56.75 and a strike rate of 132.74.
• Rashid Khan – Rashid Khan has taken 10 wickets in 5 matches this year with an economy rate of 6.95.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for BAN vs AFG Dream11 Team:

Litton Das(VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal(C), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mahedi Hasan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Fazalhaq Farooqi, Sediqullah Atal

Vice-captain – Litton Das, Azmatullah Omarzai

Wicketkeeper – Litton Das

BAN vs AFG Probable Winners:

Bangladesh is currently in a difficult situation. A loss in this game would mean the end of their hopes of progressing to the next round. The batting lineup has struggled, and the team needs them to step up. Afghanistan comes into this game off a big win and has a great record at this venue. The game will be close, but the Afghans will start as favorites due to their stronger bowling attack. Considering the team combination, Afghanistan is expected to win this match.

September 16, 1996, was an iconic day for Canada, as they held an ODI match on their soil for the match time, and that too was an India vs Pakistan match, where India dominated from the beginning. 

Rain interruption shortened the over-limit of the match. The 50-over game was reduced to 33 overs for each team. Pakistan went to bat first and instantly found themselves on the wrong end. Their heavyweight batting lineup struggled throughout the innings, and somehow they managed to gather 170 runs after losing 9 wickets. Batters like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saleem Malik, and Aamer Sohail were far away from their best, which eased the task for Indian bowlers. Saeed Anwar, who came to open the innings, added 46 runs with his bat, which was the best individual score for Pakistan in the game. Their second best of the day was Ijaz Ahmed's 35.

When the prime batters of Pakistan were outshined by Javagal Srinath, Anil Kumble, and Venkatesh Prasad, Saqlain Mushtaq was surprised with his batting. Out of nowhere, he notched 22 off 23 and remained not out. For his 22 from the lower order, Pakistan ultimately got 170 runs in total on the scoreboard. 

Read More: UAE vs Oman, Asia Cup 2025 Match 7: Highlights and Scoreboard

India consumed only 30 overs to wrap up the match. Sachin Tendulkar, who was the captain of India in that match, single-handedly took on Pakistani bowlers. He scored an unbeaten 89 in 89 balls and confirmed a swift win for the Men in Blue. Rahul Dravid contributed significantly with 39 off 50, and Mohammad Azharuddin played an aggressive 30-run knock. His partnership with Tendulkar remained unbroken in the game. Waqar Younis picked up a wicket, while star bowlers like Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq remained wicketless. The other wicket was claimed by Saleem Malik.

 Surprisingly, the first ODI match in Canada was dull, not only for the weather but also for the large number of empty seats. According to media reports, only 750 viewers gathered in the gallery to witness the rivalry.

Sri Lanka secured a narrow 4-wicket victory over Hong Kong in Match 8 of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. After Hong Kong batted first and made a respectable 149/4 in 20 overs, with Nizakat Khan's aggressive 52 and Anshuman Rath's solid 48. In reply, Sri Lanka had a shaky start but Pathum Nissanka’s superb 68 off 44 balls steadied the innings. Wanindu Hasaranga then provided the finishing touch with a quickfire cameo to seal victory with seven balls remaining. below are the main reasons for Hong Kong defeat:

1. Dropped Catches Cost Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s fielders dropped as many as six catches, including crucial ones of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera. These missed chances caused Sri Lanka's key batters to score freely.

2. Lack of Breakthroughs in Powerplay

Even with a decent target to defend, Hong Kong failed to get early breakthroughs in the power play. Sri Lanka ended the powerplay at 35/1 which gave them the opportunity to build their chase.

See Also: 'We have come to be champions..'- Bangladesh star vow to bounce back ahead of BAN vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 match

3. Nissanka’s Anchor & Hasaranga’s Finish

Nissanka's composed 68 was the foundation of Sri Lanka’s chase, and Hasaranga’s innings guaranteed there would be no hiccups, undermining Hong Kong's hopes of an upset in the closing overs.

After receiving a one-sided defeat against India, the host nation, the United Arab Emirates, bounced back against Oman by winning Match 7 of the Asia Cup 2025 by 42 runs. UAE outclassed Oman in every department of the match. Alishan Sharafu was named as the best player of the evening for scoring 51 runs against 38 deliveries. 

UAE vs OMA Asia Cup 2025 match highlights 

First Innings of the match:

Oman won the toss and decided to bat in the second over of the contest. Alishan Sharafu and Captain Muhammad Waseem, the opening pair of the UAE cricket team, built a solid foundation for a competitive total. They were able to hold their initial momentum and converted it for a handsome total at the end of the first inning. Most of the Oman bowlers proved expensive despite snatching 5 wickets. The UAE registered 172 runs in the first innings; Sharafu and Waseem scored 51 and 69 runs, respectively. Jitenkumar Ramanandi was the best bowler for Oman, who claimed a brace in 4 overs and a 6.00 economy rate. 

Second innings:

Like their batters, UAE bowlers also controlled the innings with impactful bowling performance. Junaid Siddique claimed 4 wickets for the United Arab Emirates and proved to be the most successful bowler of the match. Jatinder Singh, an Oman opener, put the stage on fire by smashing a hat-trick of 4s, but the spark did not turn into flame. Oman endured to extend their innings for only 130 runs and lost their 10th wicket in 18.4 overs. 

Read More: 'We have come to be champions..'- Bangladesh star vow to bounce back ahead of BAN vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 match

UAE vs OMA Asia Cup 2025 match scorecard in brief:

First Innings, UAE: 172/5 (20 Overs)

Second Innings, Oman: 130/10 (18.4)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) dominated Oman in Match 7 of the Asia Cup 2025. The UAE batted first and scored 172 runs for the loss of five wickets from the 20 overs, thanks to Muhammad Waseem 69 runs from 54 deliveries and Alishan Sharafu 51 runs from 38 balls. Oman started their chase poorly, losing wickets quickly and hardly getting any rhythm in their batting. Junaid Siddique was exceptional with the ball, taking four wickets on only 23 runs as Oman were bowled out for 130 runs in 18.4 overs to hand UAE a victory by 42 runs. Below are the main reasons for Oman defeat:

1. Powerful opening stand and strong batting foundation

The two UAE openers, sharafu and Waseem, opened up with a bang and were very positive from the start, finishing up their powerplay at 50/0 from 6 overs. Their aggressive but controlled stroke play set up a competitive total of 172 .

2. Junaid Siddique’s game-changing bowling performance

Siddique broke through the Oman chasing line-up with his blistering 4/23 spell, which included some extremely important early wickets. His spell decimated all possible momentum and partnerships through the innings.

See Also: WATCH: Jatinder Singh's hat-trick of 4s during UAE vs Oman Asia Cup 2025 match

3. Oman’s batting collapse and inability to build partnerships

Oman regularly lost wickets in Clusters 41/4 by the end of the powerplay and eventually crumbled for 130. No batsman established stability or tempo, and partnerships rarely lasted long enough to challenge the score.

Oman fell short against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, in the 7th game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. But one of the highlights of the match was produced by Oman. Their skipper and opener, Jatinder Singh, smashed back-to-back three boundaries while chasing a competitive target.

Oman and UAE met with each other on September 15 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium; it was a prestige fight for both of the teams. UAE had the advantage as they were playing on their home turf, and their experience against some of the big names of international cricket is slightly better than their opposition. 

Talking about the match, Oman won the toss and decided to bat in the second over of the contest. Though, their plan to restrict the home team to a low total did not take too long to prove wrong. Alishan Sharafu and Captain Muhammad Waseem, the opening pair of the UAE cricket team, built a solid foundation for a competitive total. They were able to hold their initial momentum and converted it for a handsome total at the end of the first inning. Most of the Oman bowlers proved expensive despite snatching 5 wickets. The UAE registered 172 runs in the first innings; Sharafu and Waseem scored 51 and 69 runs, respectively. 

Read More: 'We have come to be champions..'- Bangladesh star vow to bounce back ahead of BAN vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 match

Oman skipper hit a series of 4s

The UAE bowling department performed well enough to secure their total by a good margin. Oman bundled for 130 runs in 18.4 overs. Junaid Siddique claimed 4 wickets for the United Arab Emirates and proved to be the most successful bowler of the match. 

Ja-danger ‼️

Jatinder Singh smashes three boundaries in a row! 🤩

Watch #UAEvOMAN, LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/FqmB4Umu6l

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 15, 2025

Jatinder Singh hit a hat-trick of 4s in the second against a UAE pacer. All three boundaries were on the off side and looked mostly similar in style as well. Singh, using his front foot, started to hit a series of fours in an unconvincing manner, as the commentator said, "Checked Drive." The entertaining innings quickly came to an end; Singh departed for 20 off 10. UAE won the match by 42 runs. 

There is still some hope left for Bangladesh for the Super Four of the 2025 Asia Cup qualifications. They started off their campaign well with a controlled win against Hong Kong, China. But they quickly realized their quick links when they faced their archrival, Sri Lanka. With a win and a loss, the Bangladesh cricket team's future in the tournament is hanging on a thin string. Ahead of their must-win match against Afghanistan, Bangladesh star Zaker Ali said that losing is not in their plans. They came here with the hope of emerging as the champion.

Bangladesh will face Afghanistan tomorrow (September 16) evening. They have no option but to win the game. But only a win against Afghanistan may not work for them. The Tiger brigade has to keep an eye on the Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka match as well. If Bangladesh and Sri Lanka both defeated Rashid Khan's team, then Litton Das and his boys could get a confirmed ticket for the next round. 

"There is no question of giving up hope. We will play to win the match. We came with a winning mentality in this match too, but it didn't happen. We will go into the next match with a winning mentality as well. "There is no other way," Bangladesh keeper-batter Zaker Ali said. 

Read More: ‘No one wants to see you….’- Ex-teammate mocks Matthew Hayden’s bold naked MCG walk remark

Bangladesh star commited to be the champion of Asia Cup 2025

He further mentioned, "We have not just come to play matches in the tournament; we have come to be champions. We can't give up hope after losing one match."

Against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh went to bat first and scored a subpar total of 139 for 5 in their 20-over limit. Without facing any such barrier, Sri Lanka drove home swiftly. The island nation concluded the match in 14.4 overs with Man of the Match Kamil Mishara, who remained unbeaten for 46 runs. 

Sri Lanka chose to bowl first after winning the toss against Hong Kong in their second Asia Cup 2025 match. They were excellent in their first game against Bangladesh, with both bat and ball, and will look to keep up the same momentum today.

There’s one change in their playing XI Matheesha Pathirana has been replaced by Maheesh Theekshana. This means Sri Lanka have gone with only two fast bowlers, while Theekshana will team up with Wanindu Hasaranga to take charge of the spin attack.

The decision to rest Pathirana makes sense. The Dubai pitch is quite dry and is expected to help spinners more than pacers. Theekshana can be a match-winner on such pitches and could trouble the Hong Kong batters.

ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2025, HK vs SL, Match 8: Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka Toss update and Playing XI

Pathirana also didn’t have the best outing against Bangladesh, going wicketless and conceding 42 runs. On top of that, he has a history of injuries, so the team wants to manage his workload carefully and keep him fresh for bigger matches later in the tournament. With Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara will lead the pace attack , Sri Lanka will hope their bowlers can get the job done and keep their winning run alive.

Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, China, are ready for the 8th game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Sri Lanka started their campaign with a dominating win over Bangladesh. After getting defeated in two matches, Hong Kong is already out of round of four contention. 

The brand-new pitch of Dubai International Stadium looks dry and has some cracks as well. Experts believe that batters may have handled sudden bounce and spin during the later part of the match. 

Toss update:

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl first. After winning the toss, he said, "It looks like a decent pitch, and we prefer to chase a target. We feel the pitch is a bit drier and could be a bit slower as well. Our previous match was almost perfect, but we will not take any opponents lightly." 

Read More: 'Feeling pity....' - Current Pakistan player targets Suryakumar Yadav on 'No Handshake' saga during IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025

For the match against Hong Kong, Sri Lanka made a change in their playing XI. They put Maheesh Theekshana back in the lineup in place of Matheesha Pathirana.

On the other side, Hong Kong, China captain Yasim Murtaza mentioned, "We really played in our last game and want to do the same in this match as well... We cannot qualify for the Super Four, even if we win today's match, because of the low run rate. But we are quite satisfied with our performances."

Playing XI:

Sri Lanka—Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, and Maheesh Theekshana.

Hong Kong, China—Zeeshan Ali (WK), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza (C), Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, and Ateeq Iqbal.

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie humorously mocked his former teammate Matthew Hayden over a bold claim made ahead of the Ashes. Hayden had jokingly stated that he would walk naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) if England’s Joe Root failed to score a century in the series.

Gillespie, speaking on the ‘All Over Bar the Cricket’ podcast, didn’t miss the opportunity to tease Hayden for his unusual pledge. The two shared a laugh over the unusual bet, with Gillespie playfully questioning Hayden’s seriousness and commitment to the promise. Fans also enjoyed the lighthearted banter, which showcased the camaraderie between the former Australian cricketers.

The exchange has since gone viral on social media, with cricket enthusiasts sharing clips and memes. While the Ashes contest between Australia and England promises intense cricketing action, this humorous moment added a fun, human touch to the pre-series hype, reminding fans of the lighter side of the sport.

See Also: IND vs PAK: Pakistan to boycott Asia Cup 2025? No handshake drama takes new turn

Jason Gillespie Humorously Mocked His Former Teammate:

Jason Gillespie humorously reacted to Matthew Hayden’s bold claim, joking that nobody would want to see him naked. He also recalled Hayden making a similar comment when Gillespie scored a double century in a Test against Bangladesh, highlighting their playful camaraderie off the field.

He said, “ He's got form here. He said the same thing when I made my double hundred in Bangladesh. I was on 70 or 80, and he said if you get a hundred or a double hundred, I'll do a nude lap. I said that's all good mate.”

He further said, “ But you've got to remember that we are in a Muslim country, so not sure that's going to work. To be fair Haydos, no one wants to see you without clothes, mate. I'm sorry. No one needs to see that.”

In the 2006 second Test at Chattogram, Jason Gillespie, sent in as a nightwatchman at number three, played a remarkable innings, scoring an unbeaten 201 off 425 balls with 26 fours and two sixes, helping Australia secure a dominant victory by an innings and 80 runs.

Jason Gillespie Supports Hayden’s Prediction of Root Century:

Joe Root, despite his reputation as one of the finest Test batters, is still searching for his first century on Australian soil. In 27 innings across Ashes tours, Root has managed 892 runs at an average of 35.68, including nine fifties but no three-figure score.

With the Ashes 2025–26 approaching, Matthew Hayden expressed confidence that Root will finally break the drought and score a hundred in Australia. Former pacer Jason Gillespie echoed Hayden’s views, backing the English veteran to overcome past struggles and deliver a landmark innings in the upcoming series. Both believe this could be Root’s defining Ashes moment.

He added, “ I absolutely agree with Matty Hayden. I think he will get a hundred on this tour. Joe is too good a player. It is a quirky little stat that he hasn't scored a hundred in Australia. I certainly think that will change this tour. He finds a way to keep improving.”

Team India's no-handshake act initiated a widespread debate across social media platforms. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly threatened to boycott the Asia Cup 2025. In a recent social media post, Pakistan cricketer Aamir Jamal targets Team India T20I captain Surya Kumar Yadav for snubbing the ceremonial handshake during the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match. Surya Kumar Yadav, after the match, explained why they decided not to shake hands with their archrival team. He said that they went into the ground just to play the match and made a statement. India won the game with utter dominance. He mentioned BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the government of India as well. 

"Our government and BCCI were aligned together. The rest, we came here, we took a call. I feel we came here just to play the game. I think we gave them a proper reply. Few things in life are ahead of the sportsman spirit. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, and we stand with their families. As I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor, Yadav said. 

Highlighting the remarks made by Yadav, Jamal claimed that India always lacks sportsmanship. Well, when it comes to sportsmanship, #India will always lack of these things.

Read More: IND vs PAK: Pakistan to boycott Asia Cup 2025? No handshake drama takes new turn

Current Pakistan cricket targets Team India skipper Surya Kumar Yadav 

"Just watched the #sky presser after the match where he quoted that government and BCCI were on the same page to give a proper reply. That's not a reply; it's a game of cricket.and if you really wanted to give a reply You had a chance when 6-0 happened. "Feeling pity for those who are still proving that they are Indian," Jamal said in his social media post. 

Well when it come to sportsmanship #india will always lack of these things
Just watched #sky presser after the match where he quoted that government @BCCI were on the same page to give a proper reply
Thats not a reply its game of cricket.
and if you really wanted to give a…

— Aamir Jamal (@iaamirjamal) September 15, 2025

Pakistan, batting first, in 20 overs managed to set a paltry target of 128. Men in Blue chased it down in just 15.5 overs. Before the match, there were calls to boycott the match. But Surya Kumar Yadav and his boys went to play the game and ended up as the winner of the evening. Yadav was the man who hit the decisive runs of the high-voltage match. 

While many in India say there is no longer any comparison between India and Pakistan in cricket, legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar went further, saying Pakistan’s performance is not even up to club-level standards.

Speaking on Tapmad’s post-match analysis show, the Rawalpindi Express did not hold back after Pakistan’s poor showing in the Asia Cup. “Whether batting first or second, Pakistan couldn’t score more than 130 runs, and that’s exactly what happened,” Shoaib said clearly.

Interestingly, Akhtar did not call the performance “disappointing.” He pointed out one positive – young spinner Saim Ayub’s rise. “At least we found a new spinner in Saim Ayub. He took three wickets for 35 runs, and that’s a very good sign,” he added.

Also Read -'Fought war...'- Former Pakistan star makes fierce response on India's refusal to shake hands with Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

Shoaib Akhtar Criticises Pakistan’s Batting

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who was also on the panel, asked if Shoaib was joking. Akhtar replied, “The difference is clear now. Other teams are playing at a very high level, but we can’t even manage club-level cricket.”

Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan for their mediocrity after another thrashing at the hands of India.#AsiaCup2025 #INDvPAK #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/wUliXhTuOy

— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) September 15, 2025

He continued his sharp criticism of Pakistan’s batting, saying, “This performance shows the real state of our cricket. There’s no strategy, they can’t rotate the strike, and we don’t have quality batters. Just look at someone like Suryakumar Yadav – he sweeps, cuts, and still keeps rotating the strike. That’s the standard we are missing.”

The former Pakistan coach, Rashid Latif, had criticized the Indian team, under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, for not turning up to shake hands after their seven-wicket victory over the Salman Ali Agha-led side at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He also urged the PCB to lodge an official complaint against BCCI as their players locked the door of their dressing room.

Latif reckoned that denying a shake would be a blot that India would have to carry for a lifetime. Not only after the game, but even at the toss, Sky didn’t shake hands with the Pakistan captain, who didn’t appear in the post-match presentation, in protest of the entire incident.

See Also: [WATCH] 'India Seniors and India A...'- Former India star analyzes Pakistan's defeat in Asia Cup 2025 contest

“Wars have happened before, too, but we have always shaken hands. These things will remain a blot for a lifetime. Our reservations in terms of war or the Pahalgam attack are legitimate. But when you come to the ground, play the sport the right way. If Pakistan is involved in the Pahalgam attack, then catch those who are responsible.” Latif expressed during a recent interaction.

Rashid Latif gives intense response to India’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

Later in the post-match ceremony, Sky revealed that they would dedicate this win to the Armed Forces and those who lost their innocent lives during the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Pakistan, 24 hours after the game, filed a complaint against the match referee, Andy Pyrcroft.

“India should have fought the war, but they didn’t even do that properly. They should not have backed out. To hide their own mistakes, a lot of things are being done politically. What happened on the ground was not correct.” Latif explained in the post-match chat.

“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to put a smile on their face.” The former Pakistan wicket-keeper concluded.

The no handshake controversy became more complicated as some recent claims suggested that Pakistan threatened to boycott their upcoming Asia Cup 2025 match against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Match referee Andy Pycroft quickly took the center of all controversies after the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint against him, alleging Pycroft misused his position when he instructed the two captains, Suryakumar Yadav of India and Salam Agha of Pakistan, not to shake hands at the toss. Pakistan asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove him from the panel of referees for the ongoing Asia Cup. It is reported that PCB said to ICC that if their demands fail to be met, then they can withdraw from the tournament as well.

"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the match referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup. Mohsin Naqvi, PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council head, announced this through a social media post, as per media reports. 

Read More: Asia Cup 2025, UAE vs OMA Match 7: UAE vs Oman Toss update and Playing XI

According to the report, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is considering sanctions against India for the no handshake incident. But BCCI, as of now, denied receiving any complaint from ACC. 

Pakistan threatened to plugged out of Asia Cup 2025 in protest

Why did Team India deny shaking hands with Pakistan? Captain Surya Kumar Yadav explained that they were in the field only to play the game. With the dominating win, he and his boys wanted to make a proper reply. 

"Our government and BCCI were aligned together. The rest, we came here, we took a call. I feel we came here just to play the game. I think we gave them a proper reply. Few things in life are ahead of the sportsman spirit. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, and we stand with their families. As I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor", Yadav said. 

The high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 encounter between India and Pakistan may have concluded in a one-sided triumph for India, but the drama surrounding the contest began much earlier. Both captains did not shake hands at the toss, which created controversy. In the post-match proceedings, Indian players still did not shake hands with the Pakistani players and entered the dressing room.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wasted no time in raising objections. After officially lodging a protest with the ICC match referee over India’s conduct, the PCB further demanded the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft from the panel of referees for the Asia Cup. According to the PCB, Pycroft overstepped his authority by allegedly instructing the captains not to shake hands before the match.

Reports suggest that the PCB has even threatened to boycott its upcoming fixture against the UAE on September 17 if Pycroft remains in charge. The matter has escalated into a full-blown dispute, with the PCB openly criticizing the match referee’s handling of the situation.

PCB’s Stand and Pycroft’s Role

"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup," PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on social media. He added: "Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let's hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace."

See Also: 3 reasons why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's absence from India A squad to face Australia A is the wrong move

The PCB team management also backed its protest, with manager Naveed Cheema stating: "Team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a strong protest against Indian players' behaviour of not shaking hands. It was deemed as unsporting and against the sport of the game. As a protest we did not send our captain to the post match ceremony." Pycroft, a veteran official on the ICC Elite Panel since 2009, now finds himself at the center of the storm, with his role in the match and decisions under intense scrutiny.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the squads for the three-match List-A home series against Australia ‘A’. The matches will be played in Kanpur from September 30. This series will serve as a good preparation for Team India ahead of the white-ball tour of Australia.

There was much speculation about the inclusion of the veteran duo – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – in the squad. However, their names were not in the squads chosen by the selection committee. Both players have started preparing for the tour on their own after a long break, but they will not take part in the three-match series.

Here are three reasons why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s absence from the India A squad to face Australia A is a wrong decision.

Also Read -Kuldeep Yadav vs Axar Patel: Comparing Their Stats After 42 T20Is Amid Asia Cup 2025

1. They Could Have Used Game Time Before a Tough Tour

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played competitively during the 2025 IPL. They retired from Test cricket during the tournament and did not play in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England.

Their last international appearance was in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which India won in February-March 2025. ODIs are rare in the international calendar outside of World Cup years. Since both Rohit and Virat have retired from other formats, any available match, even List-A games, is valuable.

The pair might not play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year due to international duties. The series against Australia ‘A’ could have been a good chance to play competitively, rather than just practicing in nets.

Since they have been away from the game for some time, there may be some rustiness. Even with their experience, starting them straight away against a quality Australia side could be risky.

2. Sends the Wrong Message About Their Long-Term Future

There is ongoing discussion about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in the ODI team. Team management wants to prepare the new-look squad for the 2027 World Cup.

Even though Rohit is the ODI captain and Virat is a top player, their spots in the squad are not guaranteed for the future.

Whether Rohit and Virat did not declare availability, or selectors ignored them, their absence at a time when their long-term roles are being considered does not send a positive message.

3. India ‘A’ Squad Could Have Used Top-Order Reinforcements

India’s ‘A’ team has strong depth, and recent squads have quality players in almost all areas. Still, including Rohit and Virat could have made the team even stronger.

For the first ODI, India ‘A’ has only one established opener, Prabhsimran Singh. The other opener is likely Priyansh Arya, who has limited List-A experience.

If skipper Rajat Patidar bats at No.3, there are not many options in the middle order. While these matches help emerging players gain experience, there was enough space to include Rohit and Virat for one or two games.

It comes down to prioritizing the veterans’ preparation versus giving experience to second-string players. The BCCI chose to focus on the future, rather than making a special case for Rohit and Virat.

India A Squad for 1st One-Day Match:

Rajat Patidar (Captain), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh.

India A Squad for 2nd and 3rd One-Day Matches:

Tilak Varma (Captain), Rajat Patidar (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.

It is a match for the sake of pride for both of the nations. The United Arab Emirates, the host, and their rival of the evening, Oman, both started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign sustaining heavy defeats.

Despite the match results, both teams found some bright spots in their game against top-tier cricket teams of Asia. Aamir Kaleem and Shah Faisal were surprisingly brilliant against Pakistan. They proved their importance in the team by disturbing Pakistan's star-studded batting lineup. Oman's batting lineup caused trouble for them. Their records against the UAE are also not impressive enough, though; the UAE, too, failed to display impressive batting performance. In the last 5 matches, UAE won 3 against Oman, and Oman emerged victorious on 2 occasions against UAE. Though that will matter little, because in a game like this, that’s what will decide who comes out on top.

Hosts The United Arab Emirates entered the tournament after showing promising cricket in the Tri-Nation Series against Afghanistan and Pakistan, but their campaign got off to a rough start as they were dismantled by India in their opening game. 

Read More: [WATCH] IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2025: "Bohut kuchh bol sakte hai..."- Shoaib Akhtar cries in studio as India snubbed handshake with Pakistan

Toss update:

The Oman cricket team has won the toss and elected to bowl first. Their skipper showed enough faith in their in-form bowlers. 

Playing XIs 

United Arab Emirates—Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (C), Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (WK), Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid, Muhammad Jawadullah.

Oman—Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh (C), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla (WK), Wasim Ali (in place of Mohammad Nadeem), Hassnain Shah, Jiten Ramanandi (in place of Sufyan Mehmood), Aryan Bisht (in place of Zikriya Islam), Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed, and Samay Shrivastava.

Afghanistan has faced a massive blow ahead of their next fixture against Bangladesh in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with their star player getting ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Naveen Ul Haq, the veteran pacer, won’t be able to take part in the rest of the event, as the Afghanistan Cricket Board revealed.

Naveen-Ul-Haq didn’t feature during their opening clash against Hong Kong China at the same venue. The right-arm pacer has picked up 67 wickets in his 48 innings of the T20I career at an average of 18.73 and a strike rate of 14.4 with an economy rate of 7.78, thanks to the best bowling figure of 4/20 in an inning. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) posted a new update.

See Also: Pakistan knock on ICC’s door to remove this member from Asia Cup 2025 after defeat against India

“Afghanistan's veteran fast bowler, Naveen Ul Haq, has been ruled out of the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025. He is still recovering from a shoulder injury and has not been declared fit by the ACB medical team to participate in the remaining matches. Naveen will continue to undergo intensive treatment and rehabilitation until he is fully fit.” ACB posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Afghanistan name Abdullah Ahmadzai to replace injured Naveen Ul Haq for Asia Cup 2025

Naveen’s miss will be huge for Afghanistan in the experience department. The right-arm pacer has overall picked up 267 wickets in 219 innings in the shortest format at an average of 24.26 and a strike rate of 17.3 with an economy rate of 8.40, thanks to six four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul.

The 22-year-old, Abdullah Ahmadzai, will replace Naveen in the squad. The right-arm pacer has already featured in a T20I against the UAE earlier this year during the tri-series. In that game, he ended with figures of 1/31 in three overs. In the overall 11 innings of the T20s, he grabbed 15 scalps at an average of under 17 and an economy rate of 7.14.

Afghanistan, who are at the top of Group B with a net run rate of +4.70, will need just one more victory out of their remaining two games against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to qualify for the Super Four stage of the competition.

In the 25th episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ Season 17, cricket made its way into the quiz show spotlight. Contestant Mansi Sharma found herself facing a cricket-related question while seated on the hot seat. During the round, host Amitabh Bachchan presented her with a query that tested her awareness of recent cricketing events. 

The question asked, “Which cricketer announced his retirement from the IPL in August 2025?” This came as part of the ‘Super Sandook’ game, where contestants are challenged with thought-provoking questions. The moment added an exciting twist to the episode, merging the worlds of cricket and entertainment. 

As always, Bachchan’s delivery kept the atmosphere tense yet engaging, ensuring that both the contestant and the audience felt the weight of the question. The inclusion of such current affairs-based sports questions highlighted how cricket remains deeply connected to Indian culture, extending its influence beyond stadiums and into popular television.

See Also: ‘Yeh koi Popatwadi team hai…’- Indian Legend brutally mocks Salman Agha’s Pakistan team in presence of Jadeja, Sehwag, Irfan

Contestant Unable to Answer Cricket Question Linked to Ashwin:

The options presented to Mansi were Virat Kohli, R. Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul. Unsure of the correct response, the Microsoft robotics engineer chose not to risk an incorrect answer. Instead, she decided to skip the question, a cautious move that ensured she remained in the game without jeopardizing her position on Kaun Banega Crorepati.

The right answer turned out to be R Ashwin, who officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League in August this year. The experienced spinner decided to bid farewell to the tournament after a long and successful career.

Ravichandran Ashwin, who featured for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 IPL season, had earlier stepped away from international cricket in December 2024, announcing his retirement before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in Australia.

His decision to bid farewell to the IPL surprised many, especially since reports suggested he might rejoin Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 season. The veteran spinner’s exit marked the end of a remarkable career in both international and franchise cricket, leaving fans reflecting on his lasting contributions.

Ashwin revealed his IPL retirement on X (formerly Twitter), stating it was not the end but the start of a new journey. He mentioned plans to participate in various global leagues, keeping his cricketing career alive internationally.

Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel shone as Team India beat Pakistan by seven wickets in match number six of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14. Kuldeep took 3 for 18 in four overs and won his second Player of the Match award in a row. Axar also bowled well with figures of 2 for 18.

India bowled first after losing the toss and gave a strong performance to restrict Pakistan to 127 for 9. Axar got the wickets of Fakhar Zaman (17) and Salman Agha (3). Kuldeep dismissed Hasan Nawaz (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) in back-to-back balls. He also took the wicket of Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 44).

Kuldeep has now played 42 T20I matches. After his great spell against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, we look at his T20I stats compared with Axar at the same stage.

Also Read -Stats and records highlights from India's victories over Pakistan and UAE in Asia Cup 2025

Kuldeep Yadav vs Axar Patel – Stats After 42 T20Is

In 42 T20Is, Kuldeep has taken 76 wickets at an average of 13.10. He has 17 wickets in nine games against West Indies at 13.41 and 12 in nine matches against Sri Lanka at 18.50. He also has eight wickets in six games against Australia at 19, eight in three matches against England at 9.62, and six in three matches against South Africa at 14.66.

After 42 T20Is, Axar had 37 wickets at an average of 25.70. He took eight wickets in three games against Australia at 7.87 and six in five matches against New Zealand at 20.83. He also picked six wickets in 11 games against South Africa at 44.33 and five in four games against West Indies at 17.

Kuldeep has a better economy rate too. In 42 matches, his economy is 6.66. Against Australia, it is 6.33, against England 6.41, against New Zealand 6.07, and against South Africa 8.94. Axar’s economy after 42 matches is 7.53. Against Australia, it is 6.30, against England 8.55, against New Zealand 6.94, and against South Africa 8.91.

Kuldeep also has more big spells. In 42 T20Is, he has two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls. His best is 5 for 17 against South Africa in 2023. He also took 5 for 24 against England in 2018, 4 for 21 against Ireland in 2018, and 4 for 7 against UAE in Asia Cup 2025. Axar has no four-wicket haul after 42 matches. His best is 3 for 9 against New Zealand in 2021.

Stats Table – After 42 T20Is

Kuldeep Yadav vs Axar Patel – Record in Wins

Kuldeep has played 28 matches that India won. In these games, he has taken 64 wickets at an average of 10.12 and an economy of 6.38. He also has two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls. In 11 matches India lost, he took 10 wickets at an average of 29.40 and an economy of 7.17.

Axar played 27 matches that India won out of his first 42. In these, he took 28 wickets at an average of 22.14 and an economy of 7.27, with a best of 3 for 9. In 14 matches that India lost, he picked nine wickets at an average of 36.77 and an economy of 8.07.

Stats Table – In Wins (After 42 T20Is)