The Asia Cup 2025 is all set to begin on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates, with Afghanistan locking horns with Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium,
Abu Dhabi. The continental tournament will be played in a T20 format. Notably, this is the first time eight teams are competing in an Asia Cup.
The teams have been divided into two groups of four, and the top two will progress to the Super Four stage. With all teams announcing their squads, each of them has one X factor member who can make a huge difference.
X-factor of each team in Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan - Rashid Khan
Afghanistan's skipper and star spinner Rashid Khan is their biggest hope and X-factor heading into the Asia Cup 2025. Despite a below-par IPL season earlier this year, where he managed just nine wickets in 15 matches, the leg-spinner has bounced back well. One week back, Rashid registered his name in history by becoming the leading wicket-taker in men’s T20Is with 170 wickets in 100 matches, surpassing Tim Southee.
As captain, Rashid’s ability to control the middle overs with his wicket-taking ability makes him clinical, while his handy batting will strengthen the lower order. However, Afghanistan’s spin attack includes the likes of Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who are eager to prove themselves. With Afghanistan looking for its maiden Asia Cup title, Rashid’s form and leadership will be crucial.
Sri Lanka - Pathum Nissanka
Sri Lanka's opening batter Pathum Nissanka could be their X-factor in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The 27-year-old has been in fine form, recently guiding the team to a T20I series win against Zimbabwe. In T20Is, he has scored 1950 runs in 68 matches at an average of 30.46 and a strike rate of 123.10, with 15 half-centuries to his name.
He has already piled up 230 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 147 this year. His ability to handle spin in the middle overs and exploit the powerplay makes him a complete package. Sri Lanka will heavily depend on the right-handed batter to provide a solid start.
Bangladesh - Mustafizur Rahman
Ace pacer Mustafizur Rahman is Bangladesh’s biggest hope with the ball heading into the Asia Cup 2025. The experienced left-arm pacer has performed in crucial moments, especially in the death overs. In T20Is, he has already picked up 142 wickets in 113 matches at an average of 20.84 and an economy of 7.30.
Mustafizur will be a lethal weapon for Bangladesh in the tournament. Having delivered match-winning spells before, his knack for producing breakthroughs at important moments makes him Bangladesh’s X-factor. If he fires, Bangladesh’s Asia Cup campaign could get a massive boost.
UAE - Muhammad Waseem
Home team, UAE's captain and opener, Muhammad Waseem, is a player whose batting has made him the team’s most reliable match-winner. Waseem has been a solid at the top of the order. In T20Is, he has already scored close to 3,000 runs at a strike rate of over 155. His ability to clear boundaries at will and dominate quality bowling attacks gives the UAE a genuine chance of competing in big games. Waseem also brings leadership qualities and belief to a team.
Oman - Jatinder Singh
The majority of Oman's responsibility for the Asia Cup 2025 will be on skipper Jatinder Singh. The 36-year-old opener has been the face of Oman's batting for over a decade. With more than 3000 international runs across formats, Jatinder has time and again performed at the top, anchoring innings while also accelerating when required.
What makes him Oman’s X-factor is his ability to excel on big occasions. For a team that relies heavily on individual players, his role becomes even more crucial in setting up big totals. If he finds his rhythm early in the tournament, Oman could give a few surprises in the Asia Cup.
Hong Kong - Yasim Murtaza
Hong Kong will bank heavily on their skipper Yasim Murtaza in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The 34-year-old spin-bowling allrounder has become the backbone of his team since taking over captaincy earlier this year. With 70 wickets in 63 T20Is at an economy of 6.33, Murtaza’s spin is his biggest weapon.
Notably, his ability with the bat can add extra depth to Hong Kong’s line-up. With over 700 T20I runs and a highest score of 58, Murtaza has been handy down the order. His recent all-around performances, including a 3/16 against Singapore in July, make him the X-factor for his team.
Pakistan - Saim Ayub
The 23-year-old Saim Ayub has been one of Pakistan’s most exciting young batters. The left-hander is not always consistent, but when in form, he can single-handedly take the game away. With a strike rate of over 136 in T20Is, Ayub plays with aggressive intent at the top of the order, something Pakistan has long searched for to complement their batting lineup. In 41 T20Is, he has already scored 816 runs, including four fifties.
Notably, he has had a career with ups and downs in international cricket, and has even been dropped before the T20 World Cup 2024. Yet, his recent innings, including a 69 against the UAE in Sharjah. Ayub could be Pakistan’s X-factor going into the Asia Cup 2025. If he clicks, Pakistan’s chances will increase significantly.
India - Varun Chakravarthy
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, after being written off after a forgettable 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE where he went wicketless in three games, has bounced back to make himself one of India’s biggest match-winners.
Chakravarthy was India’s difference maker in the 2025 Champions Trophy, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the team despite playing only three matches. His variations put the opposition on the back foot. Rohit Sharma even hailed him as the bowler who brought something different to the team. He could once again be the X factor for the team.
