Overview

• The ACC schedule locks the tournament for September 9–28 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with India facing Pakistan on September 14 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
• India’s 15-man squad is confirmed with Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain, despite ACC permission to name 17-player rosters.
• A Sony Sports Network video promoting the India–Pakistan game and featuring Virender Sehwag drew heavy social-media criticism and boycott calls from sections of Indian fans.
• Pundit reactions split, with Virender Sehwag urging India to use the Asia Cup to identify talent for the 2026 T20 World Cup and Kris Srikkanth arguing the chosen group will not win that event.
• Oman announced a 17-player squad for their first Asia Cup under captain Jatinder Singh, including four uncapped players, and will play Pakistan on September 12 and India on September 19.