The BCCI announced that standby players for Asia Cup 2025 will not join the main Indian squad in Dubai.
BCCI Confirms Standby Players Will Not Travel for Asia Cup 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided that the five standby players for the Asia Cup 2025 — Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel — will not travel to Dubai with the main squad.
When asked whether any standby players would join the team as net bowlers or backups, a senior BCCI official told PTI, “No, the standby players will not be travelling with the main squad to Dubai.”
The decision highlights the team management’s preference for a lean travelling group, with potential replacements likely flown in only if necessary.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad to Assemble in Dubai
India’s 15-member squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will gather in Dubai on September 4 ahead of the Asia Cup opener on September 9. Breaking from tradition, players will fly directly from their respective cities to Dubai instead of first assembling in Mumbai.
“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,” an official said on condition of anonymity. “Considering logistical convenience, players are allowed to fly directly from their cities. Some may travel from Mumbai, but asking others to first come there doesn’t make sense. Dubai is a relatively short flight compared to other international journeys.”
India will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by high-profile clashes against Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19, with the Super Four stage set to follow.
Several squad members are currently involved in domestic cricket: pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are playing for North Zone, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav represents Central Zone in Duleep Trophy quarterfinals.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
