Cricket fans are about to experience 20 days of untethered sporting action at the Asia Cup 2025. The event scheduled to hold in September is already making waves ahead of time with several top stars expected to miss the regional cricket fiesta.
Several familiar faces will make way for other players at this edition, and this adds another level of excitement and uncertainty to Asia premier international cup competition.
Let’s check out some of the top names from India’s previous Asia Cup squads who will be absent when proceedings begin in the UAE. Also see mentions of other star cricketers who will play no part in their respective squads after Asia Cup qualification.
1. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
India’s dynamic batting duo already scaled back their participation in T20 internationals over a year ago. Sharma and Kohli retired from T20Is after clinching the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Both veterans add an incredible layer of run-scoring prowess to limited-overs cricket. However, both stars will not be in India’s squad at this edition, and their absence paves the way for younger batters.
2. KL Rahul
KL Rahul will not be part of India’s squad at the Asia Cup 2025. His omission comes after inconsistent involvement in T20Is for India. Rahul’s absence leaves India reliant on other players for middle-order stability and an ability to anchor chases with ease.
India still has enough firepower to secure winning results from their current lineup, however; analysts feel that the side will miss Rahul’s robust skillset.
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer
Several cricket fans were left gobsmacked by the omission of heavy hitters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. Both players have shown their remarkable run-scoring ability in recent seasons, but selectors overlooked them while putting together a squad to the UAE.
4. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami
India’s Test squad had lots to thank pacers like Mohammed Siraj for during the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Siraj almost singlehandedly ensured India secured a tie against their hosts in early August, a performance fans thought will solidify his Asia Cup 2025 appearance. However, Siraj and fellow pacer Mohammed Shami are not part of the squad to the UAE.
5. Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna bagged the IPL 2025 Purple Cap for his heroic individual performances throughout the season. Fans were in shock when it became clear that his solo outings were not enough to secure a place in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad.
6. Washington Sundar
It was almost certain that India will call-up spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar for their Asia Cup 2025 campaign. That’s not the case as BCCI selectors decided to go with players like Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav instead.
7. Rishabh Pant
An unfortunate toe fracture sidelines Team India’s top wicketkeeper-batter weeks before the Asia Cup showpiece. Fans will miss Rishabh’s keeping prowess when India mount a campaign to defend their Asia Cup crown in the UAE. Rishabh sustained the injury during India’s Test tour of England in July/August 2025.
BONUS: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Set to Enter Asia Cup Campaign Without Several Star Players
Team India will not be the only Asia Cup team without familiar faces in their 2025 lineup. Other major teams in the competition like Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be without some of their most popular players when the regional tournament begins on September 9, 2025.
Pakistan leaves out two Asia Cup veterans from 2025 lineup
Pakistan’s attempts at rebuilding a disjointed and troubled limited-overs squad have seen several stars get the axe in recent months. Former team captain and opener Babar Azam is no longer a favourite in the Men in Green’s lineup. Azam and other previously-established players like Mohammed Rizwan will not be part of Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad.
Wanindu Hasaranga doubtful for Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka team may mount a challenge for the Asia Cup without veteran all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Sri Lanka is yet to release their full lineup for this showpiece, but a hamstring scare puts Hasaranga’s potential participation in doubt. Pressure continues to mount on the side as they aim to field a versatile and capable squad in the UAE.
Bangladesh likely to play without Mehidy Miraz
Recent reports suggest that the Bangladesh squad will not field Mehidy Hassan Miraz at the Asia Cup 2025. Miraz was once a top performer in Bangladesh’s lineup as the team relied on his versatile batting and off-spin bowling skills.
