Rashid Khan and Charith Asalanka ignite massive Asia Cup 2025 controversy

Afghanistan National Cricket Team captain Rashid Khan and Sri Lanka National Cricket Team skipper Charith Asalanka have slammed the gruelling schedules for the Asia Cup 2025.

Rashid Khan voiced his frustration over scheduling and logistical arrangements for the competition as Afghanistan would be based in Dubai and travel nearly two hours to Abu Dhabi on match days.

Right now, I'm feeling very sleepy - Charith Asalanka

On Tuesday, September 9, all captains' photoshoot and media interaction were organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

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Charith Asalanka joined the events after playing back-to-back T20Is in Zimbabwe on September 6 and 7 and travelling from Harare via South Africa just hours earlier for the Asia Cup.

Asalanka openly said at the press conference that he was very sleepy, sparking laughter in the room, and emphasised the need to stay fresh ahead of Sri Lanka's opener.

"I should answer this question tomorrow, I think," Asalanka said with a wry smile, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. "Right now, I'm feeling very sleepy. It's really hard to play back-to-back games and then travel straightaway. I think we actually need a couple of days off. I hope the coach will give us [that].

"It's important to take care of our fitness. And we all know it's really hot out there. For me, it's really important to stay fresh and give 100% in the first game," he said.

Sri Lanka will open their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against arch-rivals Bangladesh on September 13.

Well, I don't think it's ideal - Rashid Khan

Sri Lanka will get some rest before their first game in the competition, but Afghanistan don't have that luxury as they are playing their tournament opener on September 9 after playing the Tri-series final on September 7 against Pakistan.

Speaking to the media, Rashid Khan openly said that Afghanistan's constant travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is not ideal, but made it clear that they won't complain.

"Well, I don't think it's ideal - that's what we were discussing [with the other captains] before as well," Rashid Khan said. "To play in Abu Dhabi and stay here in Dubai for all three games… it's different. But as professional cricketers, we have to accept these things.

Once you enter the ground, you tend to forget everything else. In other countries, we often fly two-three hours and go straight to the game. I remember flying from Bangladesh to the US once and playing straightaway."

You have to be well-prepared and mentally very strong - Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan further said that they need to be mentally and physically prepared for the Asia Cup 2025 challenge and not focus on the negatives.

"You have to be well-prepared and mentally very strong, that's why we are professionals," he said.

"If you start complaining about these things, about traveling a lot, it affects your performance on the field. For us, the focus is to put in the effort once we step inside. Wherever we go, we try to forget whatever happens outside and adapt. The most important thing is to give 100% and win the game."

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