Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has dismissed claims that India benefits from playing all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai, asserting that the team would have scored even more runs had they played in Pakistan.
Allegations of Home Advantage
The controversy arose when former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton suggested that India’s exclusive schedule in Dubai provided them with an “undeniable advantage.” Atherton commented on Sky Sports, “What about the advantage India have in playing only in Dubai? It’s hard to quantify, but undeniably an advantage.”
Australian captain Pat Cummins echoed similar sentiments, questioning the fairness of India’s consistent venue compared to other teams traveling between Pakistan and the UAE.
Ganguly’s Rebuttal
Responding to these claims, Ganguly emphasized that the pitches in Pakistan are more conducive to high-scoring games. He stated, “The pitches in Pakistan are much better. India would’ve scored more runs there.”
Pitch Performance Comparison
An analysis of the Champions Trophy 2025 matches supports Ganguly’s assertion:
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Pakistan Venues: In the seven games played across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, teams averaged 34.96 runs per wicket. These matches witnessed eight centuries and 17 fifties, with six innings surpassing the 300-run mark.
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Dubai: Conversely, in the three games held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, teams averaged 28 runs per wicket. Only three centuries were recorded, and the highest team total was India’s 249 against New Zealand.
India’s Stance on Venue Selection
Due to political and security concerns, the Indian government prohibited the national team from traveling to Pakistan for the tournament. Consequently, the BCCI proposed a hybrid model, resulting in Dubai being chosen as the neutral venue for all of India’s matches.
Counterarguments from Other Teams
New Zealand batsman Glenn Phillips acknowledged India’s familiarity with Dubai’s conditions but dismissed it as a decisive factor. He emphasized adaptability, stating, “We’re not looking for excuses… we’ve got to be adaptable.”
Also Read: India and Australia Gear Up for Champions Trophy Semi-Final Clash
Conclusion
While some experts argue that India’s consistent venue offers an advantage, Ganguly and statistical data suggest that playing in Pakistan might have been even more favorable for the team’s batting performance. As the Champions Trophy 2025 progresses, the debate over venue advantages underscores the complexities of international cricket logistics and the importance of adaptability among competing teams.
