Notably, some players such as Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav, who are featuring in the Duleep Trophy, will also depart on September 4. Meanwhile, net bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Washington Sundar will remain in India and won’t travel with the main squad.

“All the players will arrive in Dubai by September 4 evening and the first nets session will be held on September 5 at the ICC Academy. Factoring in the logistical convenience, the players will be allowed to fly in to Dubai from their respective cities,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“Obviously, a few will travel from Mumbai but to ask some of the others to first come to Mumbai and then fly to Dubai doesn’t make sense. In any case, Dubai is a short duration flight compared to other international flights,” the source added.