For the Asia Cup, which starts on September 9, the 15-man Indian team captained by Suryakumar Yadav will gather in Dubai on September 4.
Unlike in the past, when the team would first gather in Mumbai and then leave together, players would now arrive in Dubai in batches, breaking with the custom that is typically followed.
The decision was made with the players’ convenience of travel and logistics in mind.
“All the players will arrive in Dubai by September 4 evening and the first nets session will be held on September 5 at the ICC Academy. Factoring in the logistical convenience, the players will be allowed to fly in to Dubai from their respective cities,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“Obviously, a few will travel from Mumbai but to ask some of the others to first come to Mumbai and then fly to Dubai doesn’t make sense. In any case, Dubai is a short duration flight compared to other international flights,” he added.
On September 10, India will play their tournament opener against the United Arab Emirates. On September 14, they will travel to Dubai to play their bitter rivals, Pakistan. On September 19, they will play Oman in their third group match before the Super Four stage.
Among the cricketers headed to the Asia Cup, Kuldeep Yadav is representing Central Zone against North East Zone, while Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are representing North Zone against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal, which began on Thursday.
When asked if standbys Washington Sundar and Prasidh Krishna will accompany the main team as net bowlers, the official gave a negative response.
