Dubai: The Indian cricket team’s exclusive matches at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the ongoing Champions Trophy have sparked allegations of a ‘undue advantage’, with critics questioning the BCCI’s role in scheduling. Former Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan reignited the debate ahead of the final, pointing out that while India played all matches at a single venue, other teams had to travel across different cities, potentially facing fatigue and unfamiliar conditions. However, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly dismissed the claims, calling them baseless. “Kaunsi undue advantage? (What undue advantage?) We practice at ICC Academy, where conditions are different from what we get here at the stadium. Some people are perpetual cribbers; they need to grow up,” Gambhir said in a press conference after India secured a place in the final. With the Champions Trophy final approaching, the controversy surrounding India’s scheduling continues to stir debates in the cricketing world.
Distance traveled between matches in Champions Trophy 2025:
• New Zealand: 7,150 KM ✈️
• South Africa: 3,286 KM ✈️
• India: 0 KM 🏡
Some teams win by skill, some win by scheduling… #indvsnzfinal #indvsnz #ChampionsTrophy2025 #ChampionsTrophy
— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) March 8, 2025
