Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has weighed in on the debate surrounding India's "Dubai advantage" in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has weighed in on the debate surrounding India's "Dubai advantage" in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. Critics argue that India has an unfair advantage by playing all their matches in Dubai, following their refusal to travel to Pakistan due to geopolitical reasons. Uthappa dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the contest is ultimately between bat and ball, and the better team will win.
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Uthappa noted that India's decision not to travel to Pakistan was based on valid geopolitical concerns, and every country has the right to make such decisions. He suggested that India could have argued their record would have been excellent if they had played in Pakistan, as conditions there might have suited Indian batters better. Uthappa also pointed out that India's advantage is more about familiarity with the venue rather than a home advantage.
He noted that if India had played in Lahore, they would have enjoyed a similar familiarity advantage. Uthappa's comments highlight the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that geopolitical factors led to India's decision and that familiarity with a venue can be beneficial regardless of the location.