In a rare move ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided that Team India’s cricketers will not fly together to Dubai. Instead, the 15 member squad, led by the flamboyant Suryakumar Yadav, will reach the UAE capital in a staggered manner by September 4. The tournament begins on September 9.
Traditionally, Indian squads gather in Mumbai before leaving for major overseas assignments. This time, however, the board has chosen convenience over convention.
“All the players will arrive in Dubai by the evening of September 4, and the first nets session will be held on September 5 at the ICC Academy. Factoring in logistical convenience, the players will be allowed to fly into Dubai from their respective cities,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
He further explained:
“Obviously, a few will travel from Mumbai, but asking some of the others to first come to Mumbai and then fly to Dubai doesn’t make sense. In any case, Dubai is a short-duration flight compared to other international flights.”
The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10, followed by the much anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Their final group match will be against Oman on September 19, before the high stakes Super Four stage begins.
Meanwhile, some squad members remain active in domestic cricket. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are currently featuring for North Zone against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal, while Kuldeep Yadav is turning out for Central Zone against North East Zone.
This unique approach by the BCCI reflects a modern, player-first mindset one that prioritizes comfort, flexibility, and efficiency over old school traditions. Whether it pays off with a sharp, well-rested unit on the field will be revealed when India steps out in blue on UAE soil.
