The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced a 15-member squad, led by Muhammad Waseem, for the upcoming T20I tri-series at home against Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The series, scheduled from August 29 to September 7 in Sharjah, will serve as key preparation for the men’s T20 Asia Cup 2024.

The UAE squad has been expanded from 14 to 15 players compared to their recent Pearl of Africa Cup outing in Uganda, where they lost the final to the hosts. Four players have been added: Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, and Muhammad Jawadullah, while Akif Raja, Matiullah Khan, and Zuhaib Zubair miss out.

Kaushik, a 28-year-old left-handed batter and part-time spinner, is yet to make his international debut. Siddique, an experienced medium-pacer, has 59 ODIs (76 wickets) and 71 T20Is (96 wickets) to his name, along with stints in ILT20 and Global T20 Canada. Jawadullah, 26, has already bagged 54 wickets in 33 T20Is, while Farooq has eight T20I appearances as a leg-spinning all-rounder.

Experienced core remains intact

Despite the fresh inclusions, UAE have retained their experienced core, with captain Waseem, Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, and Rahul Chopra expected to anchor the side. Rising performers like Muhammad Zohaib, standout batter from the Pearl of Africa Cup, and all-rounder Saghir Khan also feature.

The team will be coached by former India opener Lalchand Rajput, who has emphasized balance between experience and new talent.

Tri-series fixtures in Sharjah

UAE open their campaign against Pakistan on August 30, followed by matches against Afghanistan on September 1, Pakistan again on September 4, and Afghanistan on September 5.

The final will be played on September 7, just two days before the Asia Cup kicks off, where UAE are grouped with India, Oman, and Pakistan.

The Asia Cup squad will be announced separately, with selectors likely to consider performances from the tri-series before finalizing the 15-man roster.