India Begin Asia Cup 2025 Campaign With Training At ICC Academy
The Indian cricket team has started its journey in the Asia Cup 2025 with a focused practice session in Dubai. The Men in Blue, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, trained at the worldclass ICC Academy to prepare for their opening game.
The team will face the UAE on September 10 in Dubai. But the most exciting clash for fans is the India vs Pakistan game on September 14, also in Dubai. This fixture will be the biggest attraction of the group stage and is already creating huge buzz among cricket lovers worldwide.
The Asia Cup is an eight-nation T20 cricket tournament, starting on September 9 and ending with the final in Dubai on September 28. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi will host matches, bringing the tournament closer to fans across the UAE.
India’s First Training Session In Dubai
India’s first official training session at the ICC Academy brought players together after a short break. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, started the drills with star players like Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and the spin pair Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel was seen guiding the bowlers, while wicketkeeper Sanju Samson was spotted in a deep conversation with senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah. These practice moments showed the team’s strong bond and readiness for the big tournament.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) also shared photos from the training session, giving fans an early look at India’s preparation. For the team, it was not just about practice but also about getting into rhythm after a month-long gap since the Test series against England.
A Look At Asia Cup’s Format And History
The Asia Cup cricket tournament has been played since 1984. For most of its history, it was played in the ODI format. The first 12 editions were all 50-over games. But since 2016, the format has rotated between ODIs and T20Is to match the cricket calendar.
This year, Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format, only the third time in history. The first T20 Asia Cup was in 2016, followed by another in 2022, which was also hosted in the UAE. Defending champions Sri Lanka will try to keep their title, but India, Pakistan, and other Asian teams will be strong challengers.
For the UAE, hosting the Asia Cup is another proud moment. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become key cricket venues, having already hosted the IPL and the T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup further proves the UAE’s ability to organize world-class cricket tournaments.
India’s Group Stage Matches
India’s journey in the group stage begins on September 10, when they face the UAE in Dubai. The UAE team has improved a lot in recent years, and this match will be an exciting start.
The India vs Pakistan clash on September 14 in Dubai will be the highlight of the tournament. Whenever these two nations meet, the atmosphere is unmatched. Stadiums get full, millions watch on TV, and social media explodes with reactions.
India will then play their last group game against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. Oman may not be as experienced as India, but their performances in associate tournaments have made them a respected side.
Super 4 Stage And The Final In Dubai
After the group stage, the top two teams from each group will move into the Super 4 stage, scheduled from September 20 to 26.
If India finishes first in Group A, all their Super 4 matches will be played in Dubai. But if they finish second, one game will be in Abu Dhabi and the other two in Dubai.
The Asia Cup Final will be held in Dubai on September 28. Fans are already expecting a possible India vs Pakistan final, but Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will also fight hard to reach the big stage.
India’s Squad For Asia Cup 2025
India’s squad is full of balance, with both senior players and young talent:
- Suryakumar Yadav (C) – explosive batsman and captain
- Shubman Gill (VC) – strong top-order anchor
- Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel – power-hitting all-rounders
- Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma – wicketkeeping options
- Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana – pace attack leaders
- Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy – spin variety
- Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma – young batting talent
Reserves: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
This mix of youth and experience gives India depth. They have hitters, stabilizers, pacers, and spinners everything needed to win matches in T20 cricket.
Why Dubai Is Perfect For The Asia Cup
Dubai is more than just a cricket ground it is a complete experience. The city has worldclass stadiums like the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and training centers like the ICC Academy.
But beyond cricket, Dubai is a global travel hub. Fans flying in for the Asia Cup can explore Burj Khalifa, shop at Dubai Mall, or relax at luxury resorts and beaches. The multicultural vibe of the city matches perfectly with a tournament that brings together players and fans from across Asia.
For the UAE economy, hosting such tournaments is also a boost. Hotels, airlines, restaurants, and tourism sectors all benefit as thousands of fans arrive to support their teams.
Spotlight On Captain Suryakumar Yadav
For Suryakumar Yadav, this Asia Cup is a career milestone. Known for his 360-degree batting style, he can hit boundaries anywhere on the field. His fearless stroke play makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in T20 cricket.
Leading India in the Asia Cup will test his leadership skills, especially against Pakistan. With the support of coach Gautam Gambhir and senior players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, he has a strong backing to succeed.
If India wins the Asia Cup under his captaincy, Suryakumar will establish himself as not just a great player but also a leader for the future.
The Anticipation For India vs Pakistan
No cricket rivalry matches the intensity of India vs Pakistan. The match on September 14 in Dubai is expected to draw a full house. Tickets will be sold out quickly, and the match will be watched by millions worldwide.
In their past encounters, these games have produced some of the most thrilling moments in cricket history. Whether it’s a last-ball finish or a bowling masterclass, India vs Pakistan always delivers drama.
Dubai’s hosting of this match is also special. The city has become the global stage for one of the greatest rivalries in sport. Fans from India, Pakistan, and across the Middle East will travel to watch the game live, creating an electric atmosphere.
India’s Road To Glory
The Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is set to be one of the most exciting cricket tournaments of the year. India has started strong with their first practice session at the ICC Academy, and fans are already dreaming of lifting the trophy on September 28 in Dubai.
For the UAE, this tournament shows once again why it is called the sports capital of the Middle East. With world-class venues, perfect hospitality, and a global fan base, Dubai is the ideal host.
As cricket fever rises, all eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav and Team India. Can they beat their rivals and reclaim the Asia Cup? The journey has just begun, and Dubai will be the center of all the action.
