Players Who Could Be Featuring In Their Last Asia Cup

Rajgeeta Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav and Fakhar Zaman [Source: AFP]Suryakumar Yadav and Fakhar Zaman [Source: AFP]

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28, and this year’s edition is bigger than ever. For the first time, eight teams, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong China, Oman, and the hosts UAE, will be competing in the T20 format. The sides will first be divided into groups, then the top four will qualify for the Super 4 stage, and finally, the two best teams will battle for the trophy on September 28.

However, while fans are excited about the action ahead, this tournament could also mark the final Asia Cup appearance for several players. So, let’s take a closer look at the list.

Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav, India T20I captain, has been central to their short-format plans. Yet, the next Asia Cup in 2027 will be an ODI tournament and SKY has struggled to cement his place in the 50-over side. Looking further ahead, by the 2029 edition he will be 38, and India are likely to move toward younger talents during that transition phase. 

Therefore, 2025 Asia Cup could very well be his last appearance in this competition.

Mohammad Nabi

Mohammad Nabi has been the face of Afghan cricket for more than a decade, contributing as both a dependable batter and a clever off-spinner. Even though he recently reversed his decision to retire from ODIs after the 2025 Champions Trophy, age is no longer on his side. 

By the next Asia Cup, he will be 42, and it is difficult to imagine him continuing at that stage. As a result, this edition might be his farewell tournament.

Fakhar Zaman

For Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman remains a popular name, but inconsistency has hurt his chances of holding a permanent spot. At 35 years old, his role in the T20 side is already under question, while in ODIs, he has not featured regularly since early 2025. 

With emerging talents such as Saim Ayub and Kamran Ghulam pushing for places, Fakhar’s future looks uncertain. Consequently, this Asia Cup could be the final time we see him in this tournament.

Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Perera

Sri Lanka also have two experienced campaigners who might be nearing their last Asia Cup.

  • Dasun Shanaka, once a key figure in ODIs, last played the format in 2024. Although he continues to contribute in T20Is, his absence from 50-over format suggests that his international future may be limited.
  • Kusal Perera, the wicketkeeper-batter, has not been seen in ODIs since 2023. At 35 years of age now, he would be 39 by the next Asia Cup, making it highly unlikely that he will still be around. Both players, therefore, are probably making their final appearances in this year’s edition.

Aamir Kaleem

For Oman, veteran middle-order batter Aamir Kaleem has been a reliable figure. However, at 43 years old, the chances of him featuring in another Asia Cup are slim. If Oman qualifies for future tournaments, Kaleem would be close to 45, which makes this edition the most likely point for his farewell.

Asif Khan

UAE’s Asif Khan has built a reputation as a powerful hitter. While he continues to perform well in white-ball cricket, he is already 35 years old. By the time the 2027 Asia Cup comes around, he will be approaching 40 and retirement could be on the horizon. That makes this Asia Cup a possible last outing for him in the tournament.