Bangladesh aren’t leaving anything to chance this time. The Tigers have decided to set up camp in Abu Dhabi for the Asia Cup 2025 group stage, steering clear of the long bus rides and traffic chaos that troubled them in the past.
The tournament kicks off on September 9, and Bangladesh will be based at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, where they play all their Group B matches against Hong Kong (Sept 11), Sri Lanka (Sept 13) and Afghanistan (Sept 16).
No More Daily Dubai-Abu Dhabi Grind
In previous editions, Bangladesh teams were caught in the tiring Dubai-to-Abu Dhabi commute, sometimes stuck for more than an hour and a half each way. This time, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided enough is enough.
“There were instances when it took nearly one and a half hours to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai, but returning from the venue, we often got stuck in traffic for longer,” a BCB official told The Daily Star.
By staying in Abu Dhabi, the Tigers will cut down on travel fatigue and maximize their recovery and training time.
Super 4s Could Mean Another Shift
If Bangladesh qualify for the Super 4s, the squad will once again be on the move — this time to Dubai, where the second phase of the tournament will be played. For now, though, Abu Dhabi remains their fortress.
The players are expected to land in the UAE on September 7, arriving in two batches — one in the morning and the other later in the evening.
No Julian Wood This Trip
One notable absentee from this campaign will be Julian Wood, the England-based power-hitting coach. His short-term deal with the Tigers ends on September 3, and he won’t be with the team in the UAE.
BCB’s cricket operations chief, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, explained:
“If needed in the future, we might bring him or someone like him again. We have specialist batting coaches now, like Salahuddin. Another may come if necessary, but we don’t need a power-hitting coach throughout the year at this moment.”
Bangladesh Mean Business
From minimizing travel hassle to keeping a settled squad together, Bangladesh’s preparation speaks of intent. They’ve been burnt before by small missteps off the field, and now they’re making sure every box is ticked before the first ball is bowled.
With a clear base, familiar conditions in Abu Dhabi, and a team eager to make a statement, Bangladesh will be hoping their smart planning translates into big performances when the Asia Cup 2025 begins.
