ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Controversial Hybrid Model Sparks Debate on India’s Unfair Advantage
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A Hybrid Model and India’s Advantage
The cricketing world is gearing up for the return of the ICC Champions Trophy, which will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. In an interesting twist, the tournament will follow a hybrid model, with matches being split between Pakistan and Dubai. This decision came as a result of the Indian government’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan, leading to a compromise that has sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts.
Understanding the Hybrid Model
Pakistan is officially the host nation, but due to political tensions, India will play all its matches, including any potential semifinal and final, in Dubai. This arrangement has raised eyebrows among former Pakistani players, who believe that it gives India an “unfair” advantage. Salim Altaf, a former Pakistan bowler, pointed out that India is the only team that knows where it will play the crucial knockout matches, unlike other teams that will only find out their locations after the group stage.
Concerns from Former Players
Intikhab Alam, a former captain, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that India will benefit from playing in familiar conditions without the hassle of travel. “It’s not fair on the other teams,” he remarked. While teams like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand will have to travel to Dubai for their matches against India, the Indian team will enjoy the comfort of playing in a consistent environment.
Looking Ahead to the Tournament
The Champions Trophy promises to deliver thrilling matches, with the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash scheduled for February 23. As the cricketing community prepares for the event, the focus will also be on how this hybrid model impacts the competitive balance of the tournament.
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