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Afghanistan started their Asia Cup campaign strongly, securing a 94-run victory against Hong Kong. Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai's explosive batting helped Afghanistan post a competitive total. Hong Kong's batting struggled against Afghanistan's disciplined bowling attack. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib led the bowling attack, restricting Hong Kong to a low score.

There could be a toss-up between Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy for the specialist spinner’s role, while the part-time left-arm spin of Abhishek Sharma could come in handy. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are likely to share new-ball duties while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube have been made to work on their bowling in the nets.

The United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of Muhammad Waseem, will look to establish themselves as one of the emerging teams with a strong showing in Asia Cup 2025.

Robin Uthappa has urged the Indian cricket team to avoid complacency as they start their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against UAE. He stressed the need for team unity and warned about dark horses like Afghanistan posing a serious challenge.

Afghanistan won their opening Asia Cup match against Hong Kong but showed inconsistency in performance. Coach Jonathan Trott warned that individual brilliance won't suffice against stronger teams ahead.

Political tensions between India and Pakistan have overshadowed the 2025 Asia Cup, intensified by the Pahalgam attack and cross-border firing. A handshake between India's captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at a pre-tournament press conference sparked controversy and backlash from Indian fans, given Naqvi's anti-India rhetoric and dual role as a political figure and cricket administrator.

Shreyas Iyer disclosed a career-threatening back injury that led to paralysis in one leg and his subsequent omission from the BCCI's central contract list. Despite enduring excruciating pain and a year-long recovery after surgery, Iyer remains determined to regain his place in the Indian squad.

India, fresh off their T20 World Cup victory, are set to begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against hosts United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the defending champions aim for a record-extending ninth title. India holds a strong record with 24 wins since last year's global tournament.

Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will most likely walk out to open in India's first match in the Asia Cup on Wednesday. It won’t be the first time the duo will open — they have been doing this since their U-14 days. Beyond being opening partners, they have been childhood friends and understand each other’s game as well.

Azmatullah Omarzai's explosive fifty off just 20 balls propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opener. Omarzai's record-breaking innings, surpassing Mohammad Nabi's previous best, helped Afghanistan score 78 runs in the final five overs. Poor fielding from Hong Kong, including multiple dropped catches, further aided Afghanistan's late-innings surge.

Ravichandran Ashwin has criticised the Asia Cup 2025, questioning the competitiveness for Team India. He suggested the inclusion of India A or a combined Afro-Asia team to create a real challenge. Ashwin doubted other teams could compete with India's strong batting and bowling, hoping for a surprise winner to inject excitement into the tournament.

Afghanistan started their Asia Cup campaign strongly, defeating Hong Kong by 94 runs. Sediqullah Atal's unbeaten 73 and Azmatullah Omarzai's quickfire 53 propelled Afghanistan to 188/6. Hong Kong's chase crumbled under the pressure of Afghanistan's disciplined bowling attack, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib, ultimately restricting them to just 94/9.

Azmatullah Omarzai set a new record with the fastest fifty by an Afghanistan batter in T20Is. His explosive innings helped Afghanistan dominate Hong Kong in the opening match of Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Suryakumar Yadav led the Indian team at the 2025 Asia Cup pre-tournament press conference in Dubai, shaking hands with ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. Eight captains expressed their determination to win the title, with India and Pakistan set for a highly anticipated clash on September 13.

A video of Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi warmly greeting India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 has gone viral, adding buzz to the India-Pakistan rivalry. Despite political tensions and Naqvi's recent remarks about India, cricket took center stage as captains discussed their ambitions for the tournament, which begins today with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan and Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka voiced their concerns regarding the Asia Cup 2025's scheduling and logistics. Rashid highlighted the inconvenience of traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi for matches. Asalanka expressed fatigue from back-to-back games and emphasized the need for recovery time amidst the extreme heat.

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav urges to keep things simple and aims to carry the momentum of the team's exceptional record in bilateral series. He feels that it is always a luxury to have batters in the side who could also contribute with the ball.

With Shubman Gill returning as T20I vice-captain, the management is certain to prefer a Gill - Abhishek Sharma opening combination. In that case, Sanju Samson may have to give up his opening role. But is that the right call? Or should the management continue with the Samson - Abhishek pairing?

Pakistan captain Salman Agha has given his fast bowlers the green light to be aggressive during the Asia Cup, emphasizing that aggression is inherent to their game. He stressed the importance of playing good cricket and aiming to win the tournament. Agha acknowledged India's strong Asia Cup record but believes any team can win in T20 cricket.

In Dubai, organisers strategically placed Afghanistan's Rashid Khan between India's Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha at the Asia Cup 2025 press conference. Yadav emphasized the importance of aggression for victory, while Agha left emotional regulation to his players. India, aiming for their ninth title, will face Pakistan on September 14.