Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized ongoing discussions about India playing all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai, calling the accusations baseless and repetitive. He took particular issue with comments made by former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, who suggested that India had an undue advantage by not having to travel between venues during the tournament.
Background: India’s Stand on Security and the Hybrid Model
India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. After prolonged discussions between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the cricket boards of India and Pakistan, a hybrid model was agreed upon. Under this arrangement, all matches except for India’s group-stage games, one semi-final, and potentially the final are being played in Pakistan across three venues. This effectively meant that India would play all their games in Dubai, leading to allegations that this gave them an advantage over other teams who had to adjust to different conditions and travel between venues.
The Criticism and Gavaskar’s Response
Hussain and Atherton argued that India’s familiarity with the Dubai conditions, coupled with the lack of travel, gave them an “undeniable advantage.” Their views were echoed by other cricketers, including Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed, South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen, and New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell. Although Javed stopped short of using it as an excuse for Pakistan’s defeat to India on January 23, he did acknowledge that it was a talking point.
In response, Gavaskar voiced his frustration, stating that foreign experts frequently target India without considering the larger context.
“I think these are all wise and experienced people. Why don’t you actually look at why your team has not qualified? That’s what I was going to ask you, sir. Rather than constantly focusing on India, are you even looking at your own backyard?” Gavaskar said in an interview with India Today.
He further emphasized that some of these experts seemed unable to accept India’s dominance in world cricket and their economic influence on the game.
“All the time, they are mourning—‘India has got this, India has got that.’ It’s constant. We must just ignore it. Let them keep mourning. We have better things to focus on. That is the kind of attitude you must have.”
Gavaskar highlighted that India’s influence on international cricket extends beyond just their on-field performances. “India’s contribution to global cricket—through television rights and media revenue—plays a massive role. They need to understand that their salaries also come from what India brings to the world of cricket.”
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Journey So Far
Despite the criticism, India has let their performances do the talking in the Champions Trophy so far. They began their campaign with a convincing win over Bangladesh in Dubai before defeating Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash on February 23. These victories put them in a strong position in Group A as they head into their final league match against New Zealand on March 2.
Should India finish at the top of Group A, they will play their semi-final in Dubai on March 4. If they qualify for the final, the match will be held in Dubai as well. However, if India fails to make the final, the title match will be played in Lahore on March 9.
Is Playing in Dubai Really an Advantage?
While critics argue that playing all their matches in Dubai gives India an advantage, there are counterarguments to this claim:
- Consistent Conditions Work Both Ways
- While India may be accustomed to playing in Dubai, so are other teams that participate in global T20 leagues like the IPL and PSL, which often hold matches there. Many international cricketers have had exposure to these conditions before.
- Home-Like Pressure and Expectations
- Being stationed in one venue may reduce travel fatigue, but it also brings immense scrutiny. The pressure of playing in front of a largely Indian crowd can be a double-edged sword, leading to heightened expectations and stress.
- Pitch Wear and Tear
- Playing multiple matches on the same surface can lead to unpredictable pitch behavior. The conditions might change significantly as the tournament progresses, posing challenges for batters and bowlers alike.
A Pattern of Targeting India?
This is not the first time India has faced criticism for factors outside their control. Whether it is scheduling, pitch conditions, or administrative decisions, there has been a recurring theme of international experts scrutinizing India’s presence in ICC events.
Gavaskar’s frustration stems from what he sees as a deliberate attempt to downplay India’s cricketing success. He pointed out that instead of focusing on their own teams’ shortcomings, experts often shift the narrative towards India.
“You must care about results. You must care for your country, for any team you play for. If you are playing for your country, the responsibility is even greater,” Gavaskar remarked.
Looking Ahead: India’s Path to the Final
As the tournament progresses, India remains one of the favorites to win the Champions Trophy. With a squad featuring world-class players and a proven track record in ICC events, they have the potential to go all the way. However, their performance in the upcoming match against New Zealand will be crucial in determining their road to the final.
If India tops their group, they will enjoy the familiarity of playing the semi-final in Dubai. However, if they fail to reach the final, the debate surrounding their “advantage” will likely fade away. Either way, Gavaskar’s call to ignore external noise and focus on the game remains relevant.
Conclusion
Sunil Gavaskar’s strong defense of India against repeated criticism underscores the growing tension between India’s cricketing influence and the perceptions of former cricketers and experts from other nations. While discussions about fairness in scheduling and venue selection are valid, it is also important to acknowledge the bigger picture—India’s cricketing prowess and economic contribution to the game are undeniable.
As India continues its Champions Trophy campaign, the team’s primary focus will be on delivering results on the field rather than engaging in off-field debates. With a potential semi-final and final in Dubai, the Men in Blue will look to let their cricket do the talking, leaving their critics with little to argue about.
