Author: G. Li, Dubai Chapter

On Friday, the defending champion Indian cricket team held a practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai as they prepared for the Asia Cup. They will play their first match against hosts UAE on September 10, followed by matches against Pakistan and Oman. Playoffs will begin on September 20.

Jasprit Bumrah returned to T20Is after missing two Tests during the home series against England earlier this year, and was seen in conversation with Abhishek Sharma. All-rounder Hardik Pandya was also spotted with a new blonde hairdo as he greeted fans and signed autographs.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, and bowling coach Morne Morkel had led India to victory in the UAE earlier this year. India have won the Asia Cup eight times.

India are the designated hosts of the tournament, which will be held across multiple venues in the UAE. The groups are as follows:

• Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
• Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong