Thu Sep 11 14:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup 2025 is kicking off with a match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong, both in Pool B alongside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pool A consists of India, Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE. A key player to watch is Anshuman Rath, an Indian-origin cricketer who represents Hong Kong and will play under the captaincy of Pakistani-origin Yasim Murtaza. Rath’s family moved from India to Hong Kong in the late 1990s for business. The article also highlights another player in the Hong Kong team, Babar Hayat, not to be confused with the Pakistani captain. The first match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong took place on June 14th 2024, with live coverage available on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.

**News Article:**

**Asia Cup 2025 Kicks Off with Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong Match**

**Abu Dhabi, UAE –** The 17th edition of the Asia Cup 2025 began today with a clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. The match marks the start of the tournament, with both teams vying for a strong start in Pool B, which also includes cricketing powerhouses Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

All eyes are on Hong Kong’s Anshuman Rath, a talented wicket-keeper batsman of Indian origin. Rath, whose family relocated from Bhubaneswar to Hong Kong for business in the late 1990s, will play under the leadership of captain Yasim Murtaza, who was born in Sialkot, Pakistan.

Adding further intrigue to the Hong Kong squad is Babar Hayat, a player known for his potential to form a formidable batting partnership with Rath.

The focus of the tournament is not limited to Hong Kong’s squad. India will enter the tournament on Wednesday to face the UAE, after which they will face Pakistan and Oman to complete their group.

The Asia Cup 2025 opener was broadcasted live on the Sony Sports Network TV channels and streamed on Sony LIV.

**Hong Kong Squad:** Yasim Murtaza (Captain), Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Ali,Nizakat Khan Mohammad, Nasrulla Rana, Martin Coetzee, Anshuman Rath, Kalhan Mark Challu, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Ejaz Khan, Atiq ul Rehman Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Ali Hassan, Shahid Waseef, Ghazanfar Mohammad, Mohammad Waheed, Ehsan Khan.

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