The Gulf Cup, now celebrating 25 years of youth cricket excellence, is the world’s largest youth cricket tournament, featuring teams from India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, Australia, Bahrain, and Nepal.
IPL’s Impact on Afghanistan’s Rise: Former Cricketer Asadullah Khan to Lead 25th Gulf Cup as Tournament Director
Former Afghanistan coach and chief selector Asadullah Khan has been appointed as the Tournament Director for the Silver Jubilee Edition of the Gulf Cup 2025, beginning November 15 in Sharjah. Asadullah, who has played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s cricketing journey, credited the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for significantly shaping Afghanistan’s cricketing rise.
Speaking about his new role, Asadullah expressed deep pride and optimism: “It is a great honour for me to take on the role of Director for the Gulf Cup 2025 — a tournament that has proudly completed 25 years of success, growth, and contribution to cricket in the region. Over the years, this event has produced countless young talents and has been a platform for developing the next generation of cricketers across the Gulf and beyond. This Silver Jubilee edition is not just a celebration of the past but a new chapter in the journey toward excellence.”
He emphasized that the IPL has been instrumental in elevating Afghanistan’s cricketing standards through exposure to top-tier competition and world-class facilities. “We have players playing in the IPL — the world’s best league, with the best coaches and quality cricket. When you compete against the best and train in the best environments, it reflects in your game. Our cricket has improved a lot because of that exposure,” Asadullah noted.
Reflecting on his long career in international coaching and administration, Asadullah said his focus is now on giving back to the grassroots level. “After spending years working alongside international coaches, teams, and leagues, I believe it is time to give back to the roots — to invest in grassroots cricket where the future of the game truly lies. Our goal is to create opportunities, inspire young players, and strengthen the foundation of cricket development from the junior level upward.”
Over the past 25 years, the Gulf Cup has become a launchpad for future international stars — including Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, and Vriitya Aravind, among others — a true testament to its legacy as a breeding ground for champions. The Gulf Cup 2025 is the world’s largest youth cricket tournament, celebrating its 25th Silver Jubilee Edition this year. It brings together school and academy teams from across the globe to promote youth cricket, international exposure, and cultural exchange.
The tournament will be held from December 15 to 26, 2025, across Sharjah, Dubai, and Ajman, featuring premier venues such as Karwan, MCC, Eden Garden, Oval, and Seven District grounds. It is jointly organized by MS YTCA at Sharjah Stadium and Cricketaaa. MS YTCA has produced over 70 UAE national players and has more than 25 years of excellence in youth cricket development.
The tournament will feature five age categories — U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18 — ensuring structured competition and global participation. Each team will play a minimum of four matches with professional umpires, online scoring, and games in a 25-over format, promoting balanced opportunities for both batters and bowlers.
Concluding on an inspiring note, Asadullah invited the cricketing community to be part of the milestone: “I invite everyone — players, coaches, and cricket lovers — to join us in celebrating this Silver Jubilee and supporting the growth of youth cricket in the Gulf region. With international participation, strong partnerships, and the passion of players, I’m confident this will be the most memorable and impactful tournament yet.”
