By Manisha Sahu – September 13, 2025
The 2025 Asia Cup has seen one of its most controversial discussions play out off the field: do associate nations with largely expat populations—UAE, Oman, Hong Kong—deserve a place alongside Asia’s cricket heavyweights? The tournament, being held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, includes eight teams for the first time: the five Full Members (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh), and three associate teams who qualified via the 2024 ACC Premier Cup—UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong.
Proponents argue that including these teams is essential for cricket’s growth in Asia. They say exposure to top-level cricket, the chance to play against legends of the game, and participating in high-stakes matches will motivate investment in infrastructure, coaching, grassroots, and help discover local talent. Oman, for example, is making its debut in the Asia Cup after a strong performance in the Premier Cup, showing promise in recent tournaments.
However, critics question whether this inclusion is performing the functions it is meant to. Some point out that many players in these teams are not native to these countries, often expats with origins in traditional cricket nations. The criticism is that when the roster is dominated by expats, the hope of building a local cricketing culture and sustainable talent pipeline is undermined. In an opinion piece published in The Indian Express, Sandeep Dwivedi argues that handing spots to “half-cooked teams” serves more as spectacle rather than development; it allows expats to share the field with stars, but rarely builds strength from within.
Moreover, there is concern about competitiveness. Early results in the Asia Cup have shown large margins in favour of established teams, raising the question: are such matches doing more harm than good, creating one-sided affairs that fail to excite fans and may even demoralize associate teams? Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticized the lack of competitive games in this edition, saying that the early matches are “not a curtain raiser, it’s only a curtain.”
Yet, defenders suggest that expecting immediate competitiveness may be unrealistic. They argue that associate teams must be given opportunities—playing the big teams is the fastest way to expose their weaknesses, learn, and improve. Oman’s qualification, for instance, came after consistent performances, not by invitation. Similarly, UAE won the ACC Premier Cup in 2024 to earn its spot.
There is also value in global representation. Sports, particularly cricket in Asia, carry diplomatic, social, and cultural weight. Having more nations participate helps spread the appeal of the game, attract diaspora support, and generate interest in non-traditional markets. Even if local‐born players are few, the exposure can inspire second or third generations to engage in the sport. Some cricket boards are already using these tournaments to build academies and homegrown coaching capacity.
Still, for the model to succeed, critics insist that more structural work is needed. They point to investment in youth programmes, domestic leagues, coaching, and better governance as prerequisites for associate teams to avoid perpetual underperformance. And crucially, there is a demand that national boards set targets to reduce dependence on expat players, cultivate local talent, and ensure that infrastructure is not just focused on short-term gains. Without it, the inclusion risks being more symbolic than transformative.
What’s at Stake
Credibility of the Asia Cup & viewer interest: If many group stage matches become blowouts, fan engagement could drop. For broadcasters, sponsors, and stadiums, one-sided matches are less attractive.
Motivation and morale within associate teams: Repeated heavy losses without visible improvement can demotivate players and administrators. But even close defeats can offer lessons and inspiration.
Long-term growth of cricket in lesser-known nations: Local players need exposure, but without structural support, exposure alone may not lead to self-sustaining growth.
Fairness and identity in national teams: What does it mean to represent a country if most players are expats? While citizenship and residency rules allow this, there is growing debate over national identity in sport.
Conclusion
There is no easy answer. On balance, most experts seem to agree that associate nations should continue to be part of major tournaments like the Asia Cup—but not in a merely tokenistic way. Inclusion should come with conditions: greater investment in home-grown talent, realistic competitiveness, and long-term planning by national cricket boards. The Asia Cup’s organizers and the ACC must ensure that qualifying tournaments are followed up with support programmes, infrastructure funding, and youth or grassroots initiatives.
For UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, the 2025 Asia Cup is both opportunity and test. They have earned their spots via qualifying tournaments. Now the question is: will they use this platform to build, not just participate?
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