Babar Hayat Named Vice-Captain in Hong Kong's Asia Cup 2025 Squad, Anshuman Rath Also Included

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, to be held in the UAE, Hong Kong has announced its 20-member squad. This will be the team’s fifth appearance in the tournament, having earlier played in 2004, 2008, 2018, and 2022.

Cricket Hong Kong, China (CHK) has appointed Yasin Murtaza as captain, while Babar Hayat will serve as vice-captain. A notable inclusion is Anshuman Rath, the left-handed batter who has represented India in domestic cricket before returning to Hong Kong.

Preparations in UAE

Hong Kong confirmed its spot in Asia Cup 2025 after qualifying through the ACC Premier Cup 2024. The team will depart for the UAE on 24 August, where it will undergo an intensive preparation camp. The camp will include multiple T20 practice matches designed to fine-tune strategies ahead of the tournament.

CHK, in an official statement, said the prep tour will play a “vital role” in strengthening the team’s performance. Head coach Kaushal Silva expressed confidence in his players, stating that the squad has the right balance of experience and emerging talent to compete strongly.

Hong Kong will play its opening Asia Cup match against Afghanistan on 9 September.

Hong Kong Squad for Asia Cup 2025

• Yasin Murtaza (captain)

• Babar Hayat (vice-captain)

• Zeeshan Ali (wicketkeeper)

• Niazaqat Khan Mohammad

• Nasrullah Rana

• Martin Coetzee

• Anshuman Rath

• Ehsan Khan

• Kalhan Mark Challu

• Ayush Ashish Shukla

• Mohammad Aijaz Khan

• Atiq-ul-Rehman Iqbal

• Kinchit Shah

• Adil Mahmood

• Anas Khan

• Haroon Mohammad Arshad

• Ali-Hasan

• Shahid Wasif (wicketkeeper)

• Ghazanfar Mohammad

• Mohammad Waheed