The Indian cricket team is under scrutiny for playing all its matches in the Champions Trophy 2025 exclusively at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, sparking debates over whether this gives them an unfair advantage.
Led by Rohit Sharma, India opted not to travel to Pakistan, the original host of the ICC event, leading to Dubai being chosen as the neutral venue for all its matches. While India benefitted from staying at one venue, other teams had to travel across different nations, prompting criticism over unequal playing conditions.
Contrasting Views from Team India
In response to the allegations, India head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed claims of any undue advantage, calling critics “perpetual cribbers” who need to “grow up.” He argued that India’s practice conditions at ICC Academy differ from the match conditions at the stadium, making adaptation just as necessary for them.
On the other hand, star pacer Mohammed Shami acknowledged that playing all games at a single venue provided a clear advantage. “It has definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch. It is a plus point,” he admitted after India’s semi-final victory against Australia.
Former cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra weighed in on the debate, pointing out the validity of both perspectives. While he recognized travel fatigue as a minor challenge, he asserted that it wasn’t a decisive factor in determining match outcomes.
India Prepares for Champions Trophy Final
Despite the controversy, India is set to face New Zealand in the final on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The debate over the venue advantage will likely continue, but the focus now shifts to whether India can capitalize on its familiarity with the conditions to lift the Champions Trophy.
