India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has informed selectors that he is available for the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28 in the T20 format, a senior BCCI source confirmed.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to meet in Mumbai on August 19 to finalise the 15-member squad.
“Bumrah has informed the selectors that he will be available for Asia Cup selection. The committee will take a call when they meet next week,” the source said.
Bumrah, who was released from the Test squad for the fifth and final match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval to manage his workload, featured in three of the four previous Tests against England, bowling 119.4 overs and claiming two five-wicket hauls.
Given the shorter spells required in T20 cricket, the team management is confident of managing Bumrah’s workload during the Asia Cup. He will also benefit from a nearly 40-day gap between his last Test appearance in England and the tournament opener.
Bumrah’s most recent T20I outing was the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Bridgetown, where his figures of 2/18 played a decisive role in India’s seven-run victory over South Africa.
Meanwhile, the Indian team is expected to travel early to the UAE instead of holding a preparatory camp in Bengaluru. “Instead of having a camp here, the team will fly three-four days early so that players can get decent practice before the tournament starts,” the source said.
