India's Cricket Team Prepares for Asia Cup 2025 with Direct Arrival in Dubai
India's Strategic Approach for Asia Cup 2025
As the 2025 Asia Cup draws near, the Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is gearing up for the tournament. The 15-member squad is set to arrive in Dubai on September 4, ahead of their opening match on September 9.
In a shift from traditional protocols, players will travel directly from their home cities to Dubai, avoiding the usual assembly in Mumbai. A senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who preferred to remain unnamed, indicated that this decision was made for logistical convenience and player comfort.
“All players are expected to reach Dubai by the evening of September 4, with the first practice session scheduled for September 5 at the ICC Academy. It was impractical to gather players in Mumbai first, given the short flight to Dubai,” the official explained.
India's campaign in the Asia Cup will kick off against the UAE on September 10, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. The group stage will conclude with a game against Oman on September 19, leading into the Super Four phase.
Several players are currently engaged in domestic cricket, with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana competing for North Zone against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals, while Kuldeep Yadav represents Central Zone against North East Zone.
When asked about the inclusion of standby players like Prasidh Krishna or Washington Sundar as net bowlers, the official confirmed that they would not be traveling with the main squad at this time.
With a direct arrival strategy and a well-rounded team blending youth and experience, India aims to make a strong impression in Dubai and set the stage for a successful Asia Cup campaign.