Due to ‘security concern’ and ‘political tensions’ between two neighboring country India-Pakistan, India refused to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy as it was primarily scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
Later, India was convinced as ICC after a discussion with the cricket boards of these two rivalry teams proposed a hybrid model for the tournament. With the exception of India’s three group-stage matches, a semi-final, and potentially the final, all other games are being played across three venues in Pakistan.
Because of it, various teams including Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand had to fly from Pakistan to Dubai to play the group stage matches against the country. On the other hand, Indian team don’t need to fly as their matches were held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Criticizing the discrimination many cricket legends made public comments earlier. India are the only team in the tournament playing all their matches at a single venue. Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton argued that India’s familiarity with the conditions, along with the fact that they are not required to travel, provides them with an ‘undeniable advantage.’
Following their comments, Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed also addressed the issue, though he maintained that he would not use it as an excuse for their limp defeat to India on 23 January.
South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen and New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell also weighed in, stating that India have an edge due to their familiarity with the conditions in Dubai.
Speaking on the issue, Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said that he is tired of seeing India criticized for ‘no fault’ of theirs, lashing out at the recent discussions surrounding the Asian team playing all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai.
Gavaskar expressed his disbelief at claims that playing in Dubai is an advantage for India, responding sharply to former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, who had spoken extensively on the matter.
Gavaskar said it's becoming monotonous to hear overseas experts 'mourning' about India in every major tournament and bilateral series. Gavaskar said most of them are not able to digest India's domination and their ability to generate more revenue than any other cricket-playing nation.
“I think these are all wise and experienced people. Why don't you actually look at why your team has not qualified? That's what I was going to ask you, sir. Rather than constantly focusing on India, are you even looking at your own backyard? Your players are in such a fragile mental state-they don't seem to care about results as long as they meet certain expectations,” Gavaskar said.
“You must care about results. You must care for your country, for any team you play for. If you are playing for your country, the responsibility is even greater.”
“All the time, they are mourning -- 'India has got this, India has got that.' It's constant. We must just ignore it. Let them keep mourning. We have better things to focus on. That is the kind of attitude you must have,” he continued.
"As I said before, it's not even worth commenting on. It really isn't. They are always mourning. They just cannot seem to understand where India stands in international cricket-in terms of quality, income, talent, and, more importantly, in terms of generating revenue. India's contribution to global cricket-through television rights and media revenue-plays a massive role. They need to understand that their salaries also come from what India brings to the world of cricket," Gavaskar added.
India began their Champions Trophy campaign, beating Bangladesh in Dubai. They defeated Pakistan in a high-octane game in Dubai on Sunday, February 23.
India will be looking to secure the top spot in Group A when they face New Zealand in their final league game on Sunday, March 02.
India are scheduled to play the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday, March 04. If India don't qualify for the final, the title match will be played in Lahore on March 09.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
