Even though Pakistan is the official host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India will host all its matches in Dubai. The BCCI refused to send Indian players to Pakistan because of the current political tensions between the two countries. Therefore, the ICC was forced to adopt a hybrid model for the high-profile tournament.
Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain have condemned this setup, claiming that it gives India a huge advantage. The two cricketing legends noted that while all other teams have to move from one venue to another, the Indian team stays put at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for all their games.
"India have got a definite edge because they are playing at a single venue. They don't have to change from one country to another, or from one venue to another. All the other teams are on the move," Atherton said in a recent interview.
"This enabled them to select a squad with the knowledge of conditions in Dubai. They will play their semi-final in Dubai. India have a definite edge," he added.
Recalling Atherton's words, Nasser Hussain too showed discontent. "The best team at the tournament have been given that benefit. I saw a tweet the other day which said, 'Pakistan are the host nation, but India have the advantage of home.' It says it all. They play in the same place and reside in one hotel, and they do not have to undertake journeys to different places for playing. They do not need even one dressing room.". They are aware of the pitch and have chosen players based on the track of Dubai," observed Hussain.
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