Pakistan on Wednesday evening continued preparing for the Asia Cup 2025 with a training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai, but captain Salman Ali Agha could not participate because of a neck spasm.

 

Salman arrived at the academy with the team, wearing a bandage around his neck. While the players went through stretching and football exercises during warm-up, the captain stayed cautious and avoided strenuous activity.

 

According to reports, Salman only has a mild spasm and there is no major concern about his fitness. He skipped the training session as a precaution and is expected to resume full practice with the team soon.

 

Team management also remains confident that Salman will be fully available for the tournament’s matches.

 

The 15th edition of the Men’s Asia Cup is being played in the T20 format, featuring eight teams: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE and Hong Kong.

 

Pakistan is in Group A alongside Oman, India and hosts UAE. Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will move into the Super Four with the leading two sides from that round contesting the final on Sept 28.

 

Since its launch in 1984, the Asia Cup has staged 16 editions. India leads the list with eight titles, winning in 1984, 1988, 1990–91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018 and 2023. Sri Lanka has claimed the trophy six times in 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014 and 2022. 

 

Pakistan has lifted the cup twice, first in 2000 and again in 2012.