India’s Asia Cup Squad to Arrive Separately in Dubai: Here’s Why This Time, Team India Won’t Fly Together

This year, the Indian cricket team is doing something different for the Asia Cup! Instead of all the players flying together in one big group, the 15-member squad led by Suryakumar Yadav will travel to Dubai separately, each from their home city. Everyone is set to assemble in Dubai by the evening of September 4 for their first net practice on September 5 at the famous ICC Academy.

Why aren’t Team India players travelling together?

Usually, before a big tournament, all Indian players gather in Mumbai and fly out as a team. But with the Asia Cup 2025 happening so close by in Dubai—and with many players living and training in different cities across India—the BCCI has decided it makes much more sense for each of them to take a direct flight from their own home base. This way:

• It saves time and energy.

• Players don’t have to take multiple flights (for example, first to Mumbai, then to Dubai).

• Everyone arrives fresh and ready to jump into practice.

A BCCI official explained, “It doesn’t make sense to fly everyone to Mumbai first, then to Dubai. With Dubai being close, it’s easier for everyone to fly from their own cities. Of course, a few players from Mumbai will fly together, but most will come directly.”

India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule

Get ready for some action! Here’s how Team India’s group matches look:

• September 10: India vs UAE

• September 14: India vs Pakistan

• September 19: India vs Oman

The tournament begins on September 9, and after the group stage, top teams will reach the Super Four round.

Where are India’s players right now?

Many of the selected cricketers are busy playing in India to stay in top shape:

• Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are playing for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy.

• Kuldeep Yadav is representing Central Zone in the same competition.

Once their domestic commitments finish, everyone will regroup in Dubai for the big event.

What about standby players?

Standbys like Prasidh Krishna and Washington Sundar are not travelling with the main squad, and will only be called up if needed. This approach helps keep things simple and focused.