The scheduling of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked widespread debate, with critics raising concerns over India’s exclusive fixtures in Dubai. As India refused to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, the ICC scheduled all of India’s matches, including the potential final, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This led to allegations that India had an “unfair advantage” by playing in familiar conditions. However, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has firmly dismissed these claims, stating that the decision was made through proper channels and does not provide any special benefit to the Indian team.
Shukla’s Response to ‘Dubai Advantage’ Allegations
Addressing the controversy, Rajeev Shukla made it clear that the scheduling of India’s matches in Dubai was not a unilateral decision but was agreed upon during ICC discussions. He reiterated that India’s participation in Pakistan was never an option due to well-documented security concerns, and the ICC had to make arrangements accordingly. He further emphasized that India’s performances are dictated by the team’s skill and preparation rather than the venues they play in.
“The Indian cricket team doesn’t rely on a specific pitch or venue for success. Our team performs on the basis of skill, talent, and strategy. The decision to play in Dubai was taken by the ICC in consultation with all stakeholders, and there is no undue advantage being given to India,” Shukla stated.
Reactions from Other Teams
The issue gained traction after South Africa’s star batter David Miller suggested that their travel schedule put them at a disadvantage. South Africa had to travel between Pakistan and the UAE before their semi-final clash against New Zealand, whereas India remained stationed in Dubai throughout. Many in the cricketing world debated whether such travel schedules created an imbalance in team preparedness and recovery times.
Shukla, however, dismissed these concerns, asserting that travel logistics are part of international cricket, and all teams must adapt to different schedules. He also pointed out that India has played in various conditions around the world without complaint, and their success in tournaments is due to the quality of their squad rather than external factors.
Exchange with Pakistani Journalists
During a press interaction in Lahore, Pakistani journalists pressed Shukla on India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan and whether the final should be held in Lahore instead of Dubai. In response, Shukla quipped, “For that, Australia should have won yesterday,” subtly pointing out that scheduling decisions are based on tournament progressions rather than speculation.
His statement reflected India’s firm stance on not traveling to Pakistan while reaffirming that the tournament format and scheduling had been structured fairly by the ICC.
The Bigger Picture
The controversy surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 is not just about the venue but also about broader political and cricketing tensions between India and Pakistan. While Pakistan is the official host, the hybrid model of the tournament, which was introduced to accommodate India’s security concerns, has created further divisions in the cricketing fraternity.
Despite the criticism, India’s consistent performances in Dubai have silenced many doubters. The team has adapted well to conditions, proving that success in international cricket is driven by talent rather than external factors like venue or travel schedules.
As the tournament heads towards its conclusion, Shukla’s remarks serve as a reminder that while off-field debates will continue, it is on-field performances that ultimately determine the fate of a team.