The countdown to Asia Cup 2025 is officially on, and Team India has touched down in the UAE to kickstart the final phase of their preparations. The squad will begin training at the ICC Academy in Dubai on September 5, marking their first collective practice session ahead of the blockbuster tournament.
Players Travel Separately, Arrivals in Dubai
In a break from tradition, the BCCI decided against a centralized training camp in India this time. Instead, players were instructed to fly directly to Dubai from their respective cities.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya have already arrived, while head coach Gautam Gambhir is scheduled to join from Mumbai on Thursday evening. New vice-captain Shubman Gill will arrive from Bengaluru, with the rest of the squad following suit.
A BCCI official explained, “All players will arrive by the evening of September 4. The first practice session will be held at the ICC Academy on September 5. Travelling separately ensures smooth logistics and helps players settle in comfortably.”
First Practice Session at ICC Academy
The first net session is set for 6 PM to 9 PM on September 5, giving players their first taste of Dubai conditions. This session will help the team adjust to pitch behavior, climate, and local conditions — a crucial factor in T20 cricket, where every run and wicket can make a difference.
The decision to skip a pre-tournament camp in India is a strategic one, aimed at reducing travel fatigue and letting players acclimatize to UAE conditions as early as possible.
What Fans Can Expect
With the Asia Cup 2025 schedule shaping up, cricket fans will get a first look at Team India’s training routines, line-up hints, and preparation intensity. The early arrival and extended practice program could give India an edge over opponents like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Stay tuned as Team India gears up for their first Asia Cup 2025 clash, with all eyes on how the squad gels and finalizes its playing XI in Dubai.
