by Cricket in Pakistan is entering an exciting phase once again, with fans looking forward to a highly anticipated T20I Tri-Nation Series in the UAE featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the host nation UAE. Scheduled between August 29 and September 7, 2025, the matches will be played at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The series comes at a crucial time for Pakistan cricket, as the team prepares for the Asia Cup 2025 and looks to regain its lost dominance in the shorter format of the game. With new leadership, squad reshuffles, and growing rivalries, this tri-series promises not only thrilling cricket but also a reflection of where Pakistan cricket currently stands.
đź“Ś Why This Tri-Series Matters
Pakistan’s cricketing journey in 2025 has been full of highs and lows. The team struggled in ODIs against the West Indies and Bangladesh, raising concerns about consistency. Yet, in the T20 format, Pakistan showed glimpses of brilliance, including a series win in the Caribbean.
The tri-series in UAE will serve as:
- A testing ground for new players under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha.
- An opportunity to experiment with squad depth before the Asia Cup.
- A chance to measure strength against Afghanistan, a side that has quickly risen in T20 cricket.
- A reminder of Pakistan’s cricketing legacy in Sharjah, a ground with decades of emotional value for Pakistani fans.
🏏 The Squad Shake-Up: Bold or Risky?
One of the biggest talking points has been the omission of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. These two players have been Pakistan’s batting backbone in T20 cricket for years. Their exclusion shocked many, sparking debates in cricketing circles.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the decision was purely made by selectors without board interference. Still, critics argue that dropping experienced match-winners ahead of two crucial tournaments could backfire.
Captain Salman Ali Agha will now shoulder the responsibility of guiding a relatively younger squad. His confidence was evident during a pre-series press conference where he reacted dismissively to a journalist labeling Afghanistan as Asia’s “second-best team.” His smirk went viral, symbolizing both the competitive spirit and pressure Pakistan carries into this tournament.
🏏 Upcoming T20I Tri-Series in UAE: Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE Face Off
⚔️ Rivals to Watch
Afghanistan – The Rising Force
Afghanistan has established itself as one of the most dangerous T20 outfits in recent years. With Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, and a pool of explosive all-rounders, Afghanistan is no longer just an underdog.
Their rivalry with Pakistan has grown beyond cricket—every game now feels like a mini-final for fans of both sides.
United Arab Emirates – The Dark Horse
While UAE is still developing on the international stage, the home advantage and familiarity with Sharjah conditions cannot be underestimated. The series gives them an opportunity to test themselves against two Asian giants, and for Pakistan, it’s a reminder that no opponent can be taken lightly in T20 cricket.
🔍 Pakistan’s Recent Performance: A Mixed Bag
- Tour of West Indies (July–Aug 2025): Pakistan lost the ODI series 1–2 but bounced back in the T20Is with a 2–1 win. Saim Ayub emerged as a key performer with 130 runs, while Mohammad Nawaz impressed with 7 wickets.
- Tour of Bangladesh (July 2025): Pakistan lost the T20I series 1–2, giving Bangladesh their first-ever T20I series win over Pakistan.
- Champions Trophy 2024–25: Pakistan failed to progress beyond the group stage, raising serious questions about strategy and selection.
These results underline Pakistan’s inconsistency—brilliant on some days, ordinary on others.
đź“Š ICC Rankings Snapshot (August 2025)
- Tests: 7th
- ODIs: 5th (rating 104)
- T20Is: 8th (rating 231)
For a cricket powerhouse like Pakistan, these rankings are below expectations. The tri-series and Asia Cup are crucial opportunities to climb back up.
👩‍🦰 Women’s Cricket: A Positive Story
Amidst the men’s team debates, Pakistan’s women’s cricket is seeing positive change. The PCB recently announced 65 central contracts for women players in the 2025–26 domestic season, alongside pay hikes. This investment reflects a growing commitment to nurture women’s cricket, ensuring broader representation and professional opportunities.
🏟️ Sharjah: More Than Just a Venue
For Pakistanis, Sharjah is not just a cricket ground—it’s an emotion. From Javed Miandad’s last-ball six in 1986 to countless thrilling encounters in the 90s, Sharjah holds a nostalgic place in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
Returning to this venue for an important tri-series feels like a homecoming. Fans expect not just victories, but performances that echo the legendary feats of the past.
🚀 What Lies Ahead
The tri-series is more than a tournament—it’s a litmus test for Pakistan cricket. If the younger squad clicks, it could mark the start of a new era ahead of the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup 2026. But failure could intensify criticism of the selectors and leadership.
Players like Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, and young pacers have a golden opportunity to cement their places as Pakistan transitions to a new T20 strategy.
âś… Conclusion
The Upcoming T20I Tri-Series in UAE is not just about winning or losing—it’s about rediscovering Pakistan cricket’s identity. Fans want consistency, selectors want fresh faces to shine, and players want to prove themselves ahead of bigger challenges.
With Afghanistan’s explosive side, UAE’s unpredictable fight, and Pakistan’s internal transitions, cricket lovers worldwide are set for an action-packed showdown in Sharjah.
For Pakistan, this series could either spark a revival or deepen the questions around selection, leadership, and long-term planning. One thing is certain: Pakistan cricket never lacks drama, and this tri-series will be no different.
