New Delhi: The Men in Blue got a month’s break after the white-ball series against Bangladesh was cancelled in August. With this massive gap in schedule, the Indian players will return without much practice ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin on September 9.
To prevent this, the Indian team, led by Captain Suryakumar Yadav, has decided to set up a special camp in the UAE before the tournament’s start. After the Test series against England ended on August 4, the Indian team had a long break.
The BCCI asked the team management about organising a short camp in Bengaluru. But the management felt that it would be better to fly early to the UAE so that players could get used to the conditions.
For this purpose, the Indian team will leave for Dubai 3-4 days early before the start of the tournament. “Instead of conducting a camp in India, the team will leave three or four days before the start of the tournament, which gives them good practice,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express.
Players like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have not played in the England series, while the Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is returning after hernia surgery. Pakistan have also started their preparations for the Asia Cup.
They have played the white-ball series against Bangladesh and the West Indies, and will also set up a camp at the ICC Academy from August 22. Salman Agha and Co. will also play a T20I tri-series against the UAE and Afghanistan before the Asia Cup.
Jasprit Bumrah confirms availability to selector for Asia Cup
Jasprit Bumrah has confirmed his availability to play the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. According to the Indian Express report, the star fast bowler had spoken to the BCCI selectors a few days ago and informed them about his readiness to play in the tournament.
The senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to meet on Tuesday, August 19, in Mumbai to pick a 15-member squad for the 2025 Asia Cup.