Ind vs NZ final in Champions Trophy: Former England great reignites 'advantage' talk

India will take on New Zealand in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Several experts and fans have slammed ICC for giving favour to India as the Men in Blue are allowed to play all their matches in Dubai due to the hybrid model.

Recently, former England great Michael Vaughan took a potshot at Rohit Sharma and co, saying India will win the Champions Trophy 'at their new home venue'.

When asked about his prediction for the final by a fan, Vaughan wrote on X (earlier known as Twitter), " India will win at their new home venue."

Moreover, several former cricketers, such as Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton, and Vivian Richards, spoke about India being stationed in one place and being well-versed with the pitch conditions.

Must Read: Champions Trophy 2025: MS Dhoni behind New Zealand's success in the mega event!

After losing the second semi-final against New Zealand, South Africa batter David Miller said that he would support the Kiwis in the final.

BCCI rubbishes talk

Though, BCCI has rubbished all the 'advantage' talk, the criticism continues to grow. India head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed all the chatter, saying their team has played as per the draw. Gambhir even termed the naysayers as perpetual cribbers who need to grow up.

"There is nothing about the advantage. The draw was decided a long time ago," said Kotak.

Notably, ICC was forced to  fix the hybrid model for the tournament after BCCI refused for the visit of the Indian team to the neighbouring Pakistan (hosts of the tournament) due to strained political relationships.