Champions Trophy Schedule Controversy: India Gets Dubai Stability, Others Face Travel Chaos

A convoluted Champions Trophy schedule has drawn criticism from multiple stakeholders in the game, including West Indies great Vivian Richards, who has strongly rebuked the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“I believe those responsible for governing and ruling the game — the ICC — are the ones at fault. I would like them to provide an answer: why? If they are the governing body of cricket, why is this happening?” Richards questioned.

“I honestly believe that one of the things that can unite us all — fans, players, even rivals — is sport,” he added.

With India playing all its league matches and the semifinal in Dubai, the three other teams — Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand — have had to endure significant travel.

Following the washout of its final league game against Afghanistan in Lahore last Friday, Australia had to fly to Dubai immediately. South Africa followed suit, travelling from Karachi to Dubai on Sunday afternoon, awaiting confirmation of its semifinal opponent.

However, within 24 hours, South Africa will be back in Lahore. With India defeating New Zealand in the last group-stage fixture on Sunday, the semifinal line-up is now set. India will face Australia in Dubai on Tuesday, while South Africa and New Zealand will battle it out at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.

New Zealand was expected to arrive in Lahore on Monday morning, with South Africa landing in the evening. Weather permitting, both teams will train at the Gaddafi Stadium on the eve of their knockout clash.

Acknowledging the repeated travel, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted, “We get there, and we can rest up and be ready to go.”

However, the limited turnaround time poses a significant challenge. While the ICC claimed that flying teams to Dubai was intended to provide adequate preparation for the first semifinal, the decision has not proved effective. While Australia trained at the ICC Academy on Sunday, South Africa opted to rest before yet another journey.

Although the teams have refrained from publicly commenting on the issue, Richards’ strong stance underscores the growing discontent surrounding the tournament structure.

The tournament had to adopt a hybrid model after India refused to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. However, former Pakistan captain and administrator Intikhab Alam believes this approach is unsustainable as it fails to provide a level playing field.

“India is playing and staying in Dubai throughout. Now, other teams are complaining, but why complain now? This was discussed long ago — why didn’t they raise objections then?” Alam told Sportstar. “Going forward, this should not happen. The entire tournament should take place in one country to ensure equal opportunities for all teams.”

For now, uncertainty over venues will persist until the final. If India wins its semifinal against Australia, the final will be held in Dubai. However, if India fails to progress, the title clash will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.