Does the India cricket team already have one hand on the Champions Trophy 2025 even before the tournament has started? Are the Men in Blue being given preferential treatment? If you ask former Pakistan captain and manager, Intikhab Alam, both of these things are true.
Alam’s reasoning is simple. He suggests that Rohit Sharma and co. have an advantage over other teams in the 8-team tournament simply because they already know the venue where they’ll play their semifinal and final if they qualify. “Unlike other teams, India will not go from venue to venue,” Alam told Dawn.
BCCI & PCB’s deal
For the unaware, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had made a deal. According to this agreement, the upcoming India vs. Pakistan matches will be played in neutral venues until 2028. The International Cricket Council (ICC) agreed to this, and therefore, it was decided that Team India would play all of their ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, UAE.
India has an logistical advantage at ICC Champions Trophy
This meant that India will not just play their group stage matches but also knockout games in Dubai. “It will avoid the logistics of travel besides getting similar kinds of pitches and cricketing environment at one venue,” Alam added. This means that there will be no fatigue issues for Team India, as they will have no travel, and they’ll be accustomed to the pitch by the time the knockout stage starts, unlike other teams. “It is not fair on the other teams,” Alam concluded.
Team India’s Fixture at ICC Champions Trophy
- India vs Bangladesh: February 20 in Dubai
- India vs Pakistan: February 23 in Dubai
- India vs New Zealand: March 2 in Dubai
- 1st Semifinal (if India qualifies): March 5 in Dubai
- Final (if India qualifies): March 9 in Dubai
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