Babar appointed vice-captain of Hong Kong as 20-member squad for Asia Cup 2025 announced

Hong Kong have announced their 20-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is slated to start from September 9. The team, set to depart for a preparation camp in the UAE on August 24, will be led by newly appointed captain Yasim Murtaza, with Babar Hayat serving as his deputy. This will be Murtaza's first major tournament as skipper. The team's new head coach, former Sri Lankan batter Kaushal Silva, will also begin his tenure with this campaign.

Hong Kong's Asia Cup squad announced

Hong Kong, China, secured their spot in the Asia Cup after a successful run in the ACC Premier Cup 2024, where they clinched a place by defeating Nepal in the third-place playoff. This marks their fifth appearance in the continental tournament, having previously competed in 2004, 2008, 2018, and 2022. The team is looking to make a significant impact in this edition, and the preparatory T20 matches in the UAE before the tournament will be crucial for their plans.

In his first major assignment as skipper, Yasim Murtaza will lead the team with a core group of experienced players. The squad will be built around the veteran presence of Rath, Nizakat, Babar, Aizaz, and Ehsan, whose experience is expected to provide stability and support to the new captain.

“We’re excited to announce that Team Hong Kong, China, will head to the UAE for an Asia Cup Preparation Camp. The tour will feature a series of competitive preparation matches and training sessions designed to fine-tune team strategies ahead of the prestigious ACC Asia Cup,” Cricket Hong Kong's official statement read.

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Cricket Hong Kong, China's newly appointed head coach, Kaushal Silva, stated that the team's final preparations for the upcoming tournament will begin with their tour of the UAE. Bringing a 20-player squad gives him an opportunity to assess each individual and help the players hone their skills. The tour will also be vital for building stronger bonds and a winning mentality within the team.

During the tour, the squad will train and play at multiple venues, with a special emphasis on night sessions and adapting to the local pitch and weather conditions. Silva believes these preparations are crucial for providing the players with real-match experience and building their confidence before the tournament.

Hong Kong will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against Afghanistan on September 9.

Hong Kong's Asia Cup squad:

Yasim Murtaza (C), Babar Hayat (VC), Zeeshan Ali (WK), Shahid Wasif (WK), Niazakat Khan Mohammad, Nasrulla Rana, Martin Coetzee, Anshuman Rath, Ehsan Khan, Kalhan Marc Challu, Ayush Ashish Shukla, Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ateeq Ul Rehman Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Adil Mehmood, Anas Khan, Haroon Mohammad Arshad, Ali-Hassan, Ghazanfar Mohammad, Mohammad Waheed