Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan minced no words as he criticized the Asia Cup 2025 scheduling and logistical arrangements made for the continental showpiece in the UAE.

Rashid’s criticism stems from the fact that his team would be based in Dubai and travel nearly two hours to Abu Dhabi on its match days.

Speaking at a pre-tournament press meet in Dubai on Tuesday (September 9), Rashid called the itinerary “not so ideal”.

Afghanistan will take on Hong Kong in the tournament opener at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi this evening.

"Well, I don't think it's ideal - that's what we were discussing (with the other captains) before as well," Rashid said during the mandatory captains' presser, which also had Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi in attendance.

"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," he added.

Afghanistan's other two group B games are scheduled on September 16 and 18 against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, respectively.

But Rashid accepted that as a professional, he has to forget the scheduling and focus on the game.

"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."

Rashid’s Sri Lankan counterpart Charith Asalanka was also critical of the scheduling which has left very little time for his team to recover after a hectic tour of Zimbabwe.

"Right now, I'm feeling very sleepy. I should answer it tomorrow I think," Asalanka said when he was asked about playing so many games with virtually no turnaround time.

"No, I mean it's really hard to play back-to-back games in Zimbabwe on September 6 and 7. And then travel here (Dubai) straightaway. I think actually we need to have a couple of days off. I hope the coach will give us.

"It's important to take care of our fitness. And we all know that it's really hot out there. And for me, it's really important to keep fresh and give 100 per cent in the first game," Asalanka added.

Sri Lanka will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on September 13 in Abu Dhabi.

(With PTI Inputs)