By Zainab Shafiq 
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has become a hotbed of debate, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) facing criticism for its decision to schedule all of India’s matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While the move ensured India’s participation, it has raised questions about unfair advantage to India in Champions Trophy and competitive balance. Let’s explore the controversy, analyze the arguments, and assess whether India truly gained an unfair advantage.
The Hybrid Model in Champions Trophy 2025: An Unfair Advantage or a Controversy?
Originally, Pakistan was set to host the Champions Trophy 2025. However, due to political tensions and India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, the ICC adopted a hybrid model. Under this arrangement, India played all their matches—including the semifinal and final—in Dubai, while other teams shuttled between Pakistan and the UAE.
This decision has drawn sharp criticism from players, analysts, and fans alike. Critics argue that India’s exclusive use of a single venue gave them a significant edge, as they avoided the travel fatigue and pitch variations faced by other teams.
What Players and Experts Are Saying
The controversy gained momentum when Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami acknowledged the benefits of playing at one venue. In an interview, he said:
“When you are playing at one venue, you get to know the conditions and pitch behaviour well. It’s definitely a plus point.”
However, India’s coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed claims of an unfair advantage, labelling critics as “perpetual cribbers.” He clarified that India practised at the ICC Academy, which has different conditions from the Dubai stadium.
Former Australian captain Steve Smith also weighed in, stating:
“They played well, they outplayed us, and they deserve the victory.”
On the other hand, ex-England cricketer David Lloyd called the travel arrangements “farcical,” accusing the ICC of failing to ensure a level playing field.
Travel Fatigue: A Hidden Challenge for Other Teams
While India enjoyed the comfort of staying in Dubai, teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan faced gruelling travel schedules. South Africa’s David Miller highlighted the issue after their semifinal loss:
“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. We landed in Dubai at 4:00 pm and had to fly back to Lahore by 7:30 am. It doesn’t make it nice.”
This constant travel likely impacted players’ performance, especially during high-stakes knockout matches.
The Role of BCCI and ICC: Did Influence Play a Part?
Many believe that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wielded significant influence to secure India’s exclusive schedule in Dubai. Critics argue that the ICC’s decision to accommodate India’s refusal to play in Pakistan compromised the tournament’s integrity.
The choice to hold the final in Dubai, despite Pakistan being the official host, further fueled these claims. Some speculate that the venue might have been different if India hadn’t reached the final.
India’s Dominance: Preparation or Privilege?
Regardless of the controversy, India’s performance in the tournament was undeniably impressive. They won all their matches leading up to the final, showcasing their dominance in ICC events. This success follows their strong showings in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
While the debate over fairness continues, it’s clear that India capitalized on their conditions and preparation. However, the question remains: Should the ICC allow such disparities in future tournaments?
The Bigger Picture: Ensuring Fairness in International Cricket
The 2025 Champions Trophy has highlighted the challenges of balancing political sensitivities with sporting fairness. While the hybrid model ensured India’s participation, it also exposed the need for the ICC to prioritize equitable conditions for all teams.
As cricket continues to grow as a global sport, maintaining a level playing field is crucial. The ICC must address these concerns to preserve the integrity of international tournaments.
Conclusion: Fair Play or Favoritism?
The controversy surrounding India’s exclusive Dubai schedule in the Champions Trophy 2025 highlights the complexities of modern cricket. While India’s success cannot be solely attributed to their schedule, the debate over fairness is valid. Moving forward, the ICC must strive to ensure that all teams compete on equal footing, fostering a spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.