More star cricketers have joined the chorus, criticizing the Indian cricket team for gaining an advantage by playing all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai. Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, along with veteran journalists, previously stated that Team India was enjoying an “undeniable advantage” after refusing to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
So far, India has won both their matches in Group A, qualifying for the semi-finals, which will also be played in Dubai. Should they qualify for the summit clash, the Champions Trophy 2025 final will also take place in Dubai.
*South African Batter Rassie van der Dussen Points Out India’s ‘Advantage’*
South African batter Rassie van der Dussen is the latest to highlight India’s advantage. The 36-year-old stated that India benefits from playing all their matches in one venue and staying in one hotel.
“It’s definitely an advantage. If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practise in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” van der Dussen told ESPNcricinfo.
Van der Dussen added that this venue advantage also puts more pressure on Team India to fully utilize it. “The onus would be on them to use that advantage. In a sense, it puts more pressure on them because whoever is going to play them in the semi or potentially the final is going to go there and the conditions are going to be foreign but they are going to be used to it. The pressure would be on them to get it right because they have all that knowledge,” he explained.
*England Captain Jos Buttler’s View*
Earlier, England captain Jos Buttler highlighted the edge India is enjoying during a pre-match press conference before the match against Afghanistan. Buttler mentioned the unique nature of the tournament and expressed that it was not a significant concern for him at that moment. England later lost the match against Afghanistan and got knocked out of the Champions Trophy 2025.
*Pakistan Joins Chorus Against Team India*
Pakistan interim head coach Aaqib Javed also shared similar views while discussing his team’s six-wicket loss to India, which eventually led to their elimination. Javed acknowledged the advantage India enjoys but noted that his team’s loss was not a result of the scheduling. “See, they are in Dubai for a reason. They are playing only in Dubai because of a specific reason. Definitely, playing in one ground, staying in one hotel is an advantage. But we didn’t lose because of that,” Javed said.
The criticism against Team India is expected to grow if they reach the final or win the Champions Trophy 2025. Their semi-final will be played on March 4, with the opponent yet to be decided. Before the semi-final, India will take on New Zealand in their last Group A match on Sunday, March 2, in Dubai.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.
