Team India’s Full Asia Cup Schedule in Dubai: Arrivals, Practice Sessions, and Tournament Build-Up

As the countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 begins, Team India has landed in Dubai to fine-tune their preparations for the prestigious continental tournament. Unlike previous editions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has skipped holding a preparatory camp at home, instead deciding to assemble the squad directly in the UAE for a focused training block.

 

Arrival of Players

• Senior players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, were among the first to arrive in Dubai earlier this week.
• Vice-captain Shubman Gill was stationed in Bengaluru for a brief fitness and net session at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) before flying out on Thursday evening, September 4.
• The remaining members of the 15-man squad, along with support staff, are scheduled to arrive by Thursday night, ensuring a full complement before the first official training session.

 

Practice Schedule at ICC Academy

• The first full squad training will be held on Friday, September 5, at the ICC Academy, Dubai, from 6 PM to 9 PM local time.
• The Indian team management has planned two consecutive evening sessions on September 5 and 6, giving players time to adapt to local weather conditions.
• Net practice has been designed to replicate match intensity, with rotation across pace and spin tracks, followed by fielding drills under floodlights to mirror match timings.
• Conditioning staff will monitor workload closely, especially for players returning from recent injuries.

 

Tournament Opener and Fixtures

India begins their Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh on September 8 at the Dubai International Stadium, followed by high-voltage matches against Pakistan on September 10 and Sri Lanka on September 12.

• If India qualifies, they will move into the Super Four stage starting September 15, with potential clashes against traditional rivals.
• The final is scheduled for September 21 in Dubai.

 

Why Dubai?

• The choice of Dubai as the training base offers players acclimatization to the same conditions—hot afternoons, dry outfield, and dew under lights—that they will face during the tournament.
• The ICC Academy, with its world-class nets, gym facilities, and rehab center, has become a regular training hub for international teams ahead of major tournaments.

 

Key Talking Points for India

• Captaincy Transition: With Suryakumar Yadav stepping in as skipper, this Asia Cup is a crucial test of his leadership before the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.
• Hardik Pandya’s Role: After a series of fitness concerns, Pandya’s all-round performance will be vital in balancing the side.
• Shubman Gill’s Form: Touted as India’s next batting mainstay, Gill will be under the spotlight to anchor innings in pressure situations.
• Bowling Depth: With both experienced pacers and promising youngsters, India’s bowling unit will look to dominate on the flat UAE pitches where spinners may also play a defining role.

 

The Road Ahead

The next two weeks in Dubai will decide India’s rhythm heading into the Asia Cup. With a packed schedule, tough opponents, and high expectations from millions of fans, the team’s ability to adapt quickly and find the right combinations could define their campaign.