Critics Slam ICC for India's Home Advantage in Champions Trophy 2025

Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton have criticized the ICC for providing India with a significant advantage in the ongoing Champions Trophy, as India plays all its matches in Dubai while other teams travel between venues in Pakistan and the UAE. They argue that this arrangement allows India to maintain familiarity with the conditions, remain in the same hotel, and select a squad optimized for the Dubai pitch. Both captains noted that India's refusal to play in Pakistan due to security issues has inadvertently turned the neutral venue into an advantageous stronghold for them. India has already qualified for the semi-finals after winning their first two matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan. The stability and lack of travel requirements give India an edge that other teams lack, making their path to the title more favorable. This situation has sparked discussions about fairness in the tournament's setup, highlighting the complexities of hosting amidst geopolitical tensions.