BREAKING: Babar Included in Asia Cup Squad 2025, Eyes Strong Comeback Against Afghanistan

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to kick off soon on September 9, bringing together eight top Asian teams in a thrilling T20 contest which promises to be thrilling. This year’s tournament, which is set to be played ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, has already seen several teams announce their squads and are continuously updating the fans with the latest updates and speculations.

Pakistan were the first team to announce their Asia Cup 2025 squad but gave a big surprise to their fans by dropping their star cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who are one of the best cricketers in the world. While Pakistan's Babar won't be playing the Asia Cup, another Babar, who plays for Hong Kong, will be playing this tournament.

Babar Hayat to Play Asia Cup 2025

Following all those developments, Hong Kong has made a key adjustment to its squad, confirming the inclusion of the star batter, Babar Hayat. Known for his explosive batting and past T20 records, Babar is likely to bat in the top order in Hong Kong's opening match against Afghanistan. With his presence, the team hopes to gain a strong start, boost squad morale, and look forward to an improved campaign in the Asia Cup 2025.

As Hong Kong gears up for the tournament, fans are keenly watching how Babar Hayat’s inclusion impacts their campaign. It is to be noted that he is the team's vice-captain for this tournament. His experience and previous performances in T20 cricket make him a significant addition to the Hong Kong Asia Cup squad 2025 and their ambitions in the Asia Cup.

Babar Hayat to lead Hong Kong in Asia Cup as vice captain

Babar Hayat, a seasoned right-handed batsman, has been the cornerstone of Hong Kong cricket for several years. He has not only captained the team in the past but also consistently delivered standout performances in international T20 tournaments. In fact, Babar ranks fourth among the highest run-scorers in the T20 Asia Cup history, making him one of the most reliable performers in the format.

He is also among the top 10 best batsmen in Asia Cup 2025 to watch out for. He is also one of the only two batsmen, along with India’s Virat Kohli, to score a century in the Asia Cup T20s, recording a magnificent 122-run innings in the previous Asia Cup edition.
Babar Hayat's leadership experience and calm presence in the middle order are expected to be invaluable, particularly in high-pressure matches. The Hong Kong management has emphasized that Babar’s inclusion is not just about runs but also about mentoring younger players and stabilizing the batting lineup with his experience.

The Asia Cup Squad 2025 for Hong Kong now looks stronger with Babar Hayat’s experience, offering a combination of aggressive stroke play and precision with batting tactics. His role in the opening match against Afghanistan will be significant, as Hong Kong aim to get off on a strong note.

When will Hong Kong vs Afghanistan Match Take Place?

Hong Kong will open its Asia Cup campaign in a much-anticipated Hong Kong vs Afghanistan match on September 9. This encounter is crucial, as both teams are aiming for a strong start to the tournament. Hong Kong is placed in Group B of the Asia Cup 2025 and has competitive teams in the same group. So in order to advance to the knockout stage, the team will have to perform consistently. Apart from Babar Hayat, Hong Kong has included several young talents and experienced campaigners who can make an impact in this short, fast-paced T20 game format. Players like Kinchit Shah and Aizaz Khan are expected to make an impact with both bat and ball. The team strategy is likely to revolve around quick scoring in the power play and disciplined bowling in the middle overs to restrict the opponents' teams.
Besides the Hong Kong vs Afghanistan match, the mentioned is the teams’ Asia Cup 2025 schedule playing which they would make a move to the further Super Four stage based on their performance.

Before the tournament, Hong Kong will also have a preparation camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), starting August 24. Head coach Kaushal Silva will oversee all the proceedings. The team will take part in a few competitive games along with the practice sessions during the preparatory camp.