Sharjah, a venue steeped in cricketing history, is set to host another chapter in the Afghanistan VS Pakistan rivalry as Rashid Khan’s men kick off their preparations for the Asia Cup 2025. The tri-series, also featuring hosts United Arab Emirates, begins Friday and comes at the perfect time for Afghanistan to fine-tune their combinations before the continental event in the UAE next month.
For Rashid Khan and his team, this is more than just a warm up. Facing Pakistan a side they will meet again in the Asia Cup group stage offers a rare chance to test strategies against a familiar yet unpredictable opponent. With the series following a double round robin format, the top two teams will clash in the final on September 7, just two days before Afghanistan launch their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong.
The selectors have opted for continuity, retaining almost the same squad for both tournaments. The only change comes in the pace department: Navee nul Haq, a familiar face in Afghanistan’s T20 setup, sits out of the Sharjah series, paving the way for 22 year old Abdollah Ahmadzai. The young quick, who has 14 wickets in 10 domestic T20s, is yet to make his international debut but has been named as a reserve for the Asia Cup. For him, Sharjah could be the stage where dreams take flight.
Afghanistan’s spin attack their greatest weapon is expected to draw the most attention. Alongside stalwarts Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar could be handed his maiden T20I cap. At just 16, Ghazanfar has already turned heads in global leagues, and Sharjah may witness the rise of another Afghan spin sensation.
For fans, the tri series promises not just competitive cricket but a glimpse into Afghanistan’s growing maturity on the international stage. From stunning England VS Pakistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup to reaching the T20 World Cup semifinals in 2024, Afghanistan have become one of the game’s most compelling stories. Now, with the Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, every match feels like a stepping stone towards something bigger.
Sharjah awaits and with it, the promise of Afghan fire, Pakistani pride, and a UAE side eager to make its mark. As Rashid Khan tosses the ball to his men under the desert lights, the countdown to the Asia Cup truly begins.
