Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan has caused a huge controversy just hours before the Asia Cup 2025 opener by publicly criticising the schedule and logistics of the tournament. During the pre-tournament captains’ media conference in Dubai on Tuesday, Rashid was frustrated that his team, who are based in Dubai, would have to make a near-two-hour round trip to Abu Dhabi for each of their group matches.
“Actually, I don’t think it’s perfect – that’s what we were speaking about with the other captains previously as well,” Rashid said openly, while Asian Cricket Council chief and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi watched.
Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan’s Tight Schedule
Afghanistan kick off their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi later on Tuesday evening. They then play Bangladesh on September 16 and Sri Lanka on September 18, at the same venue. That amounts to three lengthy match-day trips from Dubai to Abu Dhabi within a period of just 10 days.
Rashid, T20 international’s leading wicket-taker with 170 wickets, conceded the circumstances are as yet far from ideal but that professionals have to prioritize professionalism over discomfort.
“To play Abu Dhabi and remain here in Dubai for all three matches…different. But as professional cricketers, we have to accept these things,” he responded.
Rashid Khan: Once You Enter the Ground, You Forget Everything
Even while being critical, Rashid emphasized the need for concentration and adjustment. The ace leg-spinner quoted his experience of playing soon after long-distance flights.
“Once you are in the ground, you tend to leave everything behind. We tend to fly two-three hours in other countries and play directly. I recall flying from Bangladesh to the US once and playing directly,” Rashid said.
Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka Echo Similar Concerns
Interestingly, Rashid is not alone in protesting as a captain. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka also vented his criticism of the tight schedule and absence of rest days. His team had flown to Dubai from a grueling away series against Zimbabwe with hardly any recovery time.
“Right now I’m very sleepy. I should answer it tomorrow I think,” Asalanka quipped when questioned about playing consecutive matches. But soon he became serious and added:
“It’s quite difficult to play consecutive games in Zimbabwe on September 6 and 7, and then come here immediately. In fact, we should get a couple of days off. We should take care of our fitness, especially with this kind of heat.”
Sri Lanka will begin their campaign with Bangladesh on September 13.
Asia Cup 2025: Pressure on Organisers
The remarks by two captains prior to the Asia Cup have put the Asian Cricket Council under the limelight. Though logistical issues are common in multi-nation tournaments, scathing criticism from big-name players such as Rashid Khan may compel organisers to reconsider plans for future tournaments.
For the time being, though, both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan need to set aside their worries and concentrate on their first-round matches as the Asia Cup guarantees fierce action regardless of its controversy in scheduling.
