With Asia Cup 2025 on the horizon, Pakistan has taken a major strategic step to boost its chances—especially against arch-rival India. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that the team will participate in a tri-series in the UAE, just before the Asia Cup kicks off.

Pakistan to Play UAE-Afghanistan Tri-Series

Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE will take part in the preparatory tournament.

“This series will be played before the start of the Asia Cup 2025 and we are confirming it,” Naqvi said during a press interaction.

This move is aimed at helping Pakistan adapt to UAE’s playing conditions, which will be critical since the Asia Cup is likely to be hosted there. Naqvi also revealed plans for another tri-series in February 2026 featuring Pakistan, Australia, and Bangladesh.

Pakistan’s Recent Performance

Pakistan’s recent form has been underwhelming. They lost the T20 series to Bangladesh 2-1, with Bangladesh clinching the first two matches. Earlier, in a tour to New Zealand, Pakistan was thrashed 4-1 in T20s and suffered a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series.

Last Asia Cup Win Was in 2012

Pakistan last lifted the Asia Cup in 2012, defeating Bangladesh in a nail-biting final in Dhaka. Pakistan posted 236/9 in 50 overs, thanks to Sarfaraz Ahmed’s unbeaten 46 and contributions from Mohammad Hafeez (40). Despite strong efforts from Tamim Iqbal (60) and Shakib Al Hasan (68), Bangladesh fell just short, finishing at 234/8.

Now, after a 13-year drought, Pakistan eyes a comeback in Asia Cup 2025—with the UAE tri-series as its launchpad.