Sport
Asia Cup 2025 kicks off today with Afghanistan vs Hong Kong curtain-raiser
Afghanistan arrive at the competition with growing confidence and international recognition as Rashid Khan’s side has established itself as more than just a spirited underdog.
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup gets underway today, Tuesday September 9, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the curtain-raiser at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The 20-day tournament, played in the T20 format as preparation for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, brings together eight teams battling for continental supremacy.
Afghanistan arrive at the competition with growing confidence and international recognition as Rashid Khan’s side has established itself as more than just a spirited underdog.
With world-class spinners in Rashid himself, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad, along with a powerful batting lineup led by Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan are seen as dark horses capable of challenging the traditional heavyweights.
For many, this Asia Cup could mark a defining moment in Afghan cricket’s journey from emerging competitor to genuine title contender.
The tournament format divides the eight teams into two groups. Afghanistan sit in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. Group A features India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. After the round-robin group stage, the top two from each group advance to the Super Four, with the final set for September 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter as defending champions and the tournament favourites, boasting eight Asia Cup titles.
Sri Lanka, with six championships, and Pakistan, with two, remain strong contenders despite recent transitions in their squads.
Bangladesh carry momentum from a series of recent wins, while Hong Kong and UAE are determined to prove their mettle after qualifying through the ACC Premier Cup.
Oman, placed in Group A, round out the lineup.
For Afghanistan, today’s opening clash against Hong Kong offers the chance to start strong and build momentum toward what many hope will be their deepest Asia Cup run yet.
With Rashid Khan at the helm, the team has repeatedly shown it can unsettle the giants of world cricket — and in the UAE’s familiar conditions, Afghan fans will expect nothing less than another spirited charge for glory.