Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the 15-member Indian squad for the T20 Asia Cup 2025, starting on 9th September, will assemble in Dubai on 4th September. Unlike the usual practice, the players will travel directly from their respective locations to Dubai instead of gathering in Mumbai before departure. This decision has been taken keeping in mind better arrangements and travel convenience for the players.
A senior official of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on the condition of anonymity, told PTI: “All players will reach Dubai by the evening of 4th September, and the first net session will be held on 5th September at the ICC Academy. Considering logistical convenience, players have been advised to fly directly to Dubai from their respective cities.”
The official further added: “Of course, some team members will still leave from Mumbai, but others feel that travelling to Mumbai first and then flying to Dubai doesn’t make sense. Anyway, Dubai is closer and easier to reach compared to other international destinations.”
India will play its opening match of the tournament against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 10th September, followed by a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on 14th September in Dubai. Before the Super Four stage, India’s third group match will be against Oman on 19th September.
Meanwhile, Indian team members Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are currently representing North Zone against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals, while Kuldeep Yadav is playing for Central Zone against North East Zone. When asked whether standby players Prasidh Krishna or Washington Sundar would travel with the main squad as net bowlers, the official denied any such plans.