Players who could be featuring in their last Asia Cup

The hot Dubai sun, the bright green pitch and the roar of the crowd holding its breath before each delivery. This is the atmosphere of the Asia Cup, which will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, 2025. This year, we are waiting for something truly special. The tournament has become bigger, and therefore more spectacular.

Asia Cup 2025: why this tournament may be the final for certain players

For the first time in its history, eight teams will compete at once. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, China, Oman and the hosts – the UAE team. All matches will be held in the fastest and most unpredictable format – T20. The teams will first compete in groups, then the four strongest will reach the super final stage, and the two best teams will meet in the decisive battle for the trophy on September 28. Sounds exciting, right?

But behind all this inevitable beauty of sport there is also a slightly bitter truth. Namely, in the players who could be featured in their last Asia Cup. Time, unfortunately, takes its toll on everyone, even the greats.

Those who may be participating in their final Asian Cup

Let’s remember these players who could be featuring in their last Asia Cup.

Suryakumar Yadav (India): The Indian T20 captain. All sorts of miracles are possible with his bat. But here’s the catch. The next Asia Cup in 2027 will be held in ODI format, and SKY, as he is affectionately known by his fans, hasn’t had it all smooth in 50-over cricket. And if we look further ahead, to the 2029 tournament, he will be 38. It’s hard to imagine that by then, a young and hungry Indian team will be counting on players his age.

Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): A true icon of Afghan cricket. For over a decade now he has served as both a reliable batsman and a tricky off-spinner. He has, of course, recently changed his mind about retiring from ODIs after the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025. But the years go by. He will be 42 by the next Asia Cup. And honestly, it is hard to imagine him still in action at this level.

Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan): A name familiar to every fan. After all, who can forget his incredible serves? The only problem is that his game has become unpredictable. Now he is 35 and his place in the T20 team is already in doubt. Fakhar’s future in the national team looks uncertain.

Sri Lanka also have two veterans for whom this tournament could be their last:

• Dasun Shanaka, once a key player in ODIs, last played in this format in 2024. Yes, he still helps the team in T20s, but his absence in 50-over cricket is a clear sign that his days in international cricket are sadly completed.
• Kusal Perera, a player with a huge amount of experience, last played in ODI in 2023. He is 35 now and will be almost 39 by the next Asia Cup. There is almost no chance that he will still be in shape.

Aamir Kaleem (Oman) – For Oman, he was the reliable mid-order player you could always rely on. But he is 43 now. The chances of seeing him at another Asian Cup are small.

Asif Khan (UAE). The one who earned himself a reputation as a real strongman who can hit just unbelievable sixes. He still shows excellent results in white-ball cricket. But he is already 35. Therefore, this tournament may be the last battle for him.

Cricket is not just about numbers on a scoreboard. It is also about people’s stories. And this year we have a unique chance to see the game of players who could be featuring in their last Asia Cup. Let’s appreciate these moments. Because very soon we will remember their performances with the warm nostalgia that true masters deserve.