Before Champions Trophy final, After Naseer Hussain & Atherton, David Miller criticise India’s Dubai advantage
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding the tournament’s hybrid format. Critics argue that India, the standout team of the event, received preferential treatment by playing all their matches in Dubai, while other teams endured demanding travel schedules. India’s refusal to play in Pakistan due to security concerns led to the adoption of the hybrid model, with Pakistan hosting most matches and India’s games being held in the UAE.
Former England cricketer David Lloyd criticized the arrangement, calling it “farcical” and “embarrassing” for a global event. He highlighted the logistical chaos caused by teams traveling between venues without clarity on their schedules. South African cricketer David Miller echoed these concerns after his team’s semifinal loss to New Zealand, citing fatigue from travel as a contributing factor. Miller described the travel schedule as “not ideal,” noting that his team had to fly from Karachi to Dubai shortly after a match and prepare for another game within hours.
The controversy has intensified allegations of unfairness, with critics accusing the ICC of aligning with India’s demands at the expense of tournament integrity. The hybrid model, initially proposed to accommodate India’s participation, has raised questions about its impact on fairness and future ICC events.