 "David Miller, David Lloyd criticise India's Dubai advantage before Champions Trophy final: 'It is just nonsense'")
The Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand has been overshadowed by growing controversy over the tournament’s hybrid format, with many questioning whether the Indian team has gained an unfair advantage by staying in Dubai throughout the event.
Champions Trophy 2025: News | Schedule | Results
India’s Dubai advantage debate resurfaces
The debate was reignited after former England cricketer and commentator David Lloyd voiced his frustration, calling the travel arrangements “farcical.”
“It’s really embarrassing that this is one of the most important events in world cricket, and the playing arrangements are laughable,” Lloyd remarked in a video posted on X.
“You have teams flying here and there, unsure of where they’ll play next. It’s just nonsense. This is a world event, and it should be organized properly,” he added.
The controversy stems from India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan, the official hosts of the tournament, forcing the ICC to implement a hybrid format where India’s matches have all been staged in Dubai. In contrast, other teams, including South Africa and New Zealand, have had to endure hectic travel schedules.
The Proteas’ itinerary saw them leave Karachi at 9:30 am the morning after their final group-stage game against England, land in Dubai, check in for just a few hours, and then fly back to Lahore for their semi-final against New Zealand. The Kiwis also flew to Dubai for their final group-stage game against India and then returned to Pakistan to face South Africa in the semi-final.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsSouth Africa’s David Miller echoed similar frustrations after his team’s 50-run loss to New Zealand in the second semifinal, citing their grueling travel schedule as a key factor in their struggles.
“It’s only an hour and 40-minute flight (from Karachi to Dubai), but the fact that we had to do that was not ideal,” Miller admitted.
“It’s early morning, it’s after a game, and we had to fly. Then we got to Dubai at 4:00 pm, and by 7:30 am, we had to come back. It doesn’t make it nice.”
Critics argue that the ICC’s decision to accommodate India’s stance on not playing in Pakistan has compromised the integrity of the competition. While India has undoubtedly been the best team in the tournament, the fact that they have remained stationed in Dubai while other teams have had to travel has fueled claims of biased treatment.
However, Indian supporters argue that India faced extensive travel during the 2023 ODI World Cup, playing each of their matches at a different venue despite being the host nation. They also pointed out India’s schedule in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the team had to travel for every game, while some teams had the advantage of playing at the same venue twice.
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