Asia Cup 2025: Hong Kong Names 20-Member Squad, Babar Hayat Appointed Vice-Captain Ahead of UAE Campaign

Hong Kong has officially announced its 20-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, set to be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. The squad, led by captain Yasim Murtaza, features a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, with veteran batter Babar Hayat appointed vice-captain. This marks Hong Kong’s fifth appearance in the continental tournament, having previously competed in 2004, 2008, 2018, and 2022.

The team will begin its campaign in Group B, facing Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in the group stage. Hong Kong’s opening match is scheduled against Afghanistan on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, followed by fixtures against Bangladesh on September 11 and Sri Lanka on September 15.

🧭 Squad Highlights: Experience Meets Youth

Player Name	Role	Status in Squad	Asia Cup Experience
Yasim Murtaza (Captain)	All-rounder	Retained as captain	Debuted in 2022
Babar Hayat (Vice-Captain)	Top-order batter	Reinstated as VC	Played in 2018, 2022
Anshuman Rath	Batter	Key inclusion	Played in 2018
Shahid Wasif	Wicketkeeper-batter	Retained	Played in 2022
Nizakat Khan	Batter	Senior player	Played in 2018, 2022
Martin Coetzee	Batter	New inclusion	Asia Cup debut

Babar Hayat’s appointment as vice-captain is seen as a strategic move to bolster leadership depth. Known for his aggressive stroke play, Hayat is one of only two batters to have scored a century in the Asia Cup T20 format, alongside Virat Kohli.

📊 Full Squad List for Asia Cup 2025

Role	Player Names
Top-order Batters	Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat (vc), Anshuman Rath, Nizakat Khan, Martin Coetzee
Middle-order Batters	Kalhan Marc Challu, Ayush Ashish Shukla, Kinchit Shah, Adil Mehmood, Anas Khan
Wicketkeepers	Zeeshan Ali, Shahid Wasif
All-rounders	Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ateeq ul Rehman Iqbal, Haroon Mohammad Arshad
Spinners	Ehsan Khan, Ghazanfar Mohammad
Fast Bowlers	Nasrulla Rana, Ali Hassan, Mohammad Waheed

The squad was selected following Hong Kong’s successful qualification through the ACC Premier Cup 2024, where they defeated Nepal in the third-place playoff.

🔍 Preparation Camp in UAE: Tactical Build-Up

Hong Kong will begin its final preparations with a training camp in the UAE starting August 24. Under newly appointed head coach Kaushal Silva, the team will engage in competitive matches and under-lights training sessions to acclimatize to local conditions.

Preparation Phase	Objective	Duration
UAE Training Camp	Acclimatization, team bonding	Aug 24–Sep 7
Practice Matches	Tactical assessment, match fitness	Multiple venues
Skill Workshops	Role-specific drills, mental conditioning	Daily sessions

Coach Silva emphasized the importance of building a winning mindset, stating, “We are not here to participate; we are here to compete, win games, and enjoy the experience”.

📉 Group B Fixtures and Tournament Outlook

Hong Kong faces a tough challenge in Group B, competing against three full-member nations. However, the team is optimistic about causing upsets and progressing to the Super Four stage.

Fixture Date	Match	Venue
September 9	Afghanistan vs Hong Kong	Abu Dhabi
September 11	Hong Kong vs Bangladesh	Abu Dhabi
September 15	Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka	Dubai

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four, making every match crucial for Hong Kong’s campaign.

🧠 Strategic Focus: Leadership, Depth, and Spin

Hong Kong’s squad reflects a clear emphasis on leadership continuity, batting depth, and spin versatility. With Yasim Murtaza and Babar Hayat at the helm, the team hopes to leverage their experience in high-pressure situations.

Strategic Element	Key Players Involved	Expected Impact
Leadership	Yasim Murtaza, Babar Hayat	Tactical clarity, morale boost
Spin Attack	Ehsan Khan, Ghazanfar Mohammad	Middle overs control
Batting Depth	Anshuman Rath, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif	Flexibility across formats
Youth Integration	Ayush Shukla, Kalhan Challu	Energy, fielding agility

The team’s balance between seasoned performers and emerging talent is expected to be its strength in the tournament.

📌 Conclusion

Hong Kong’s 20-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 signals a bold and balanced approach to the continental challenge. With Babar Hayat returning as vice-captain and a strong mix of experience and youth, the team is poised to make a competitive impact.

As preparations begin in the UAE, all eyes will be on Hong Kong’s opening clash against Afghanistan. Whether they can break past the group stage for the first time remains to be seen—but the squad’s intent and composition suggest they’re ready to punch above their weight.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 23, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute sports, selection, or betting advice.