Hong Kong announces squad for Asia Cup 2025, Yasim Murtaza to lead

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Hong Kong Cricket has announced its 20-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, with all-rounder Yasim Murtaza appointed captain. The tournament will be played in the United Arab Emirates, where Hong Kong finds itself in a tough Group B alongside Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and defending champions Sri Lanka. The side will open its campaign against Afghanistan on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, followed by fixtures against Bangladesh (September 11, Dubai) and Sri Lanka (September 15, Abu Dhabi).

This year’s participation marks Hong Kong’s fifth appearance at the Asia Cup, having previously featured in 2004, 2008, 2018 and 2022. The squad reflects a calculated mix of seasoned performers and exciting new prospects, underlining the team’s ambition to go beyond just participation and push for qualification into the Super Four stage.

The leadership group has been entrusted to experienced campaigners. Murtaza’s appointment as captain comes on the back of his consistent performances and ability to anchor the side. Supporting him is vice-captain Babar Hayat, a proven match-winner. Hayat is one of only two batsmen to have scored a century in Asia Cup T20 history—the other being India’s Virat Kohli. His attacking batting and wealth of experience are expected to play a central role in Hong Kong’s campaign.

The combination of Murtaza’s steady leadership and Hayat’s attacking flair is seen as key to Hong Kong’s chances of causing upsets in the group stage.

The squad features familiar names such as Anshuman Rath, Nizakat Khan, Ehsan Khan, Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Ayush Shukla, and Haroon Arshad – players with proven credentials in past international competitions. Their experience, coupled with the inclusion of young talents like Kalhan Challu, Adil Mehmood and Ali Hassan, provides depth and flexibility across departments.

Selectors have emphasised the need for a versatile and balanced unit capable of adapting to the demands of high-pressure matches against stronger opponents.

Hong Kong booked their spot in the Asia Cup through the ACC Premier Cup 2024, where they defeated Nepal in the third-place playoff to secure qualification. That victory highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, traits they will need again as they prepare to face three highly ranked opponents.

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Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat (vc), Zeeshan Ali, Shahid Wasif, Nizakat Khan, Nasrulla Rana, Martin Coetzee, Anshuman Rath, Kalhan Challu, Ayush Shukla, Aizaz Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Adil Mehmood, Anas Khan, Haroon Arshad, Ali Hassan, Md Ghazanfar, Md Waheed, Ehsan Khan

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