BCCI’s Asia Cup 2025 squad unveiling delayed by torrential Mumbai rains: Report

Ajit Agarkar (Pic: AFP)

The much-anticipated announcement of India's squad for the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025, initially scheduled for Tuesday at 1:30 PM, has been delayed due to inclement weather conditions in Mumbai.

According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was set to finalise and unveil the squad during a selection meeting at its headquarters in Mumbai. However, persistent monsoon rains and widespread flooding in and around the city have disrupted travel plans and led to flight delays and cancellations.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, a key official for the proceedings, has been unable to land in Mumbai as his flight was cancelled, according to a Times Now report. He is now expected to arrive later in the afternoon, which has pushed back the selection meeting and subsequent squad announcement. Though the announcement will still be made later today, the exact timing remains unconfirmed.

A press conference is expected to follow the announcement, likely to feature India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar, who were originally scheduled to address the media post-announcement.

Asia Cup 2025 squad composition: Who's in the mix?

While the official squad is yet to be confirmed, several names have emerged as front-runners over the past week.

• Top-order: The batting order is expected to feature Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma in the top three slots, with Suryakumar Yadav likely to bat at No. 4.
• Leadership group: Test captain Shubman Gill is reportedly being considered for the vice-captaincy, following his impressive leadership during the England tour.
• Middle-order contenders: Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, and Washington Sundar remain in the selection mix.
• Backups: Jitesh Sharma is likely to be named the reserve wicketkeeper, while Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to serve as a backup opener.
• Pace attack: The bowling unit will likely be led by the returning Jasprit Bumrah, who has made himself available for the tournament. Supporting him could be Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana.
• Spin options: The probable spin trio includes Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ravi Bishnoi, offering a mix of wrist-spin and variation for the UAE conditions.

Tournament details

The Asia Cup 2025 will be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, with eight participating teams, including full members India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, alongside UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong. The tournament will follow the T20I format.

India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. The Men in Blue will open their campaign against the UAE on September 10, with the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan scheduled for September 14, both matches to be played in Dubai.