The ICC’s scheduling of the Champions Trophy semi-finals has left cricket fans questioning its fairness. In a bizarre turn of events, both Australia and South Africa (or Afghanistan, if they manage a surprise qualification) will be forced to travel to Dubai on Saturday—even though one of them will have to return to Pakistan the very next day. It is preferential treatment for India, whose path to the semi-finals has already been mapped out with the assurance of playing all their matches in Dubai.
Unfair on Australia, South Africa
The logic behind the scheduling defies common sense. According to the ICC, the decision was taken to ensure that the team playing in the Dubai semi-final on March 4 gets the maximum preparation time. However, this logic collapses when one realizes that a team will travel from Pakistan to Dubai only to find out that they need to head back to Pakistan for the Lahore semi-final the very next day. This unnecessary travel adds fatigue, disrupts preparations, and hands an unfair advantage to India, who are immune to such logistical nightmares.
Australia have already left for Dubai after their match against Afghanistan was abandoned, securing their semi-final berth. South Africa, if they qualify as expected, will follow suit after their ongoing game against England in Karachi. Meanwhile, India, despite not yet securing their group position, already know they will play in Dubai.
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ICC’s preference on India
While Pakistan is officially the host of the Champions Trophy, India has had the privilege of playing all their matches in Dubai. Due to political tensions, the BCCI insisted that India’s matches be held outside Pakistan, and the ICC complied. This means India have enjoyed playing under familiar conditions without the constant hassle of inter-country travel, unlike their competitors.
As things stand, South Africa are expected to top Group B, while Australia will likely finish second. This means the Aussies would face India in Dubai on March 4 (If India win vs NZ), while South Africa would take on the New Zealand in Lahore on March 5. However, the final picture will only be clear after India’s last group-stage game against New Zealand on March 2.
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