Champions Trophy 2025: Former players slam ICC for ‘taking India side’

Though Pakistan is hosting the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India is playing all their matches in Dubai. BCCI refused for the visit of the Indian players to Pakistan due to the strained political relationship between both the countries. As a result, ICC was forced to prepare a hybrid model for the mega event.

In response, former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain have accused the ICC of giving India an advantage in the mega event. 

Both the former greats are of the opinion that the Men in Blue are playing all their matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium while all the other teams are travelling from one venue to another.

“India have a clear advantage as they are playing at one venue. They don’t have to travel from one country to another or from one venue to another. All the other teams are traveling,” Atherton said in a recent interaction.

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“This allowed them to pick a squad knowing conditions in Dubai. They will play their semi-final in Dubai. India have an undeniable advantage,” he added.

Nasser Hussain also agreed with Atherton. “The best team in the tournament has been given that advantage. I saw a tweet the other day which said, ‘Pakistan is the host nation, but India have the home advantage.’ It sums up everything. They play in one place and stay in one hotel, and they don’t have to travel for matches. They have one dressing room. They know the pitch and have picked players according to the track in Dubai,” said Hussain.