Hong Kong Gears Up for Asia Cup 2025 with UAE Preparation Camp
Hong Kong cricket has taken a significant step towards its Asia Cup 2025 campaign by announcing a 20-member squad for a preparation camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The camp, scheduled to begin after the squad departs on August 24, will feature competitive matches, under-lights training, and intensive practice sessions designed to sharpen skills ahead of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, starting September 9.
This training camp is not only about preparation for the high-stakes Asia Cup but also marks the first major assignment for newly appointed head coach Kaushal Silva and captain Yasim Murtaza. Both will look to instill a winning mentality in a team that has steadily grown in stature within Asian cricket.
Coach Kaushal Silva’s Vision for the Team
Speaking about the UAE camp, head coach Kaushal Silva emphasized the importance of this preparatory phase:
“As we embark on our journey to the Asia Cup 2025, our final preparations will begin with this tour, where we will take 20 players. This wider squad will allow me to better assess each individual and provide players with the opportunity to hone their skills, build stronger bonds, and develop a winning mentality within the group.”
Silva also underlined the role of adaptability in modern T20 cricket. According to him, training under lights and competing at different venues across the UAE will provide valuable experience. The conditions in the Emirates, especially the pitches and climate, will help the team acclimatize before heading into the Asia Cup, which is set to feature eight teams from across Asia.
“This preparation tour will be crucial in helping the team acclimatise to the weather and pitch conditions. We are planning matches at different venues and will gain valuable experience through under-lights training, which I believe will be extremely beneficial for our players,” Silva added.
A Balanced Squad: Experience Meets Young Talent
The announced squad reflects a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters. The likes of Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Aizaz Khan, and Kinchit Shah bring years of experience, while emerging players such as Ayush Shukla and Haroon Arshad add youthful energy to the lineup.
Captain Yasim Murtaza, who will lead the side for the first time in a major tournament, highlighted the competitive mindset of the squad:
“Each player has to earn their spot. We are not here to participate; we are here to compete, win games, and enjoy the experience.”
Silva echoed the sentiment, stating that the strength of the squad lies in its balance:
“The strength of this squad lies in the balance we have built, combining experienced senior players with exciting young talent. This combination is essential for success in a tournament of this magnitude, and I have full confidence in this group to represent Hong Kong, China with pride, resilience, and ambition.”
Road to the Asia Cup: Hong Kong’s Qualification Journey
Hong Kong earned their place in the Asia Cup 2025 through a strong performance in the 2024 ACC Premier Cup, where they defeated Nepal in the third-place playoff. This qualification highlights their consistency in the Asian associate circuit and their growing ability to compete against higher-ranked teams.
This will be Hong Kong’s fifth Asia Cup appearance, having previously participated in the 2004, 2008, 2018, and 2022 editions. Their qualification is a testament to the progress of Hong Kong cricket in the past two decades, despite facing challenges of resources and competition from larger cricketing nations.
Full 20-Member Hong Kong Squad for UAE Camp
- Yasim Murtaza (Captain)
- Babar Hayat (Vice-Captain)
- Zeeshan Ali (Wicketkeeper)
- 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
- Shahid Wasif (Wicketkeeper)
- Ghazanfar Mohammad
- Mohammad Waheed
Why This Camp Matters
The Asia Cup has historically been a tough competition for associate teams like Hong Kong, who often face full-member nations such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The UAE camp will give Hong Kong a chance to:
- Build Team Chemistry – With a mix of new players and veterans, team bonding will be critical.
- Adapt to Conditions – UAE pitches often resemble subcontinent wickets, providing useful practice ahead of the tournament.
- Evaluate Squad Depth – With 20 players in camp, the coaching staff can identify the best possible 15 for the Asia Cup.
- Boost Confidence – Training under lights and playing competitive matches against strong opposition will prepare the team mentally and tactically.
Looking Ahead to the Asia Cup
The Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on September 9, will feature eight teams, making it one of the most competitive editions yet. For Hong Kong, the goal will be to move beyond the group stage, a milestone they have not yet achieved.
With new leadership, a balanced squad, and focused preparation, Hong Kong will enter the tournament as underdogs with potential to surprise bigger teams. Their journey from the ACC Premier Cup to the Asia Cup demonstrates resilience and ambition, qualities that could serve them well against Asia’s cricketing giants.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Hong Kong’s decision to organize an intensive preparation camp in the UAE highlights the team’s commitment to making a strong impact at the Asia Cup 2025. Under the guidance of new head coach Kaushal Silva and captain Yasim Murtaza, the squad combines experience with fresh talent, aiming to compete fearlessly on the continental stage.
While Hong Kong may not have the same resources as cricketing powerhouses, their preparation and fighting spirit reflect a team determined to prove themselves. The coming weeks will show whether their UAE training camp can transform preparation into performance when the Asia Cup begins.