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South African batter Rassie van der Dussen has joined a growing list of cricketers, including Pat Cummins, Aaqib Javed, Nasser Hussain, and Michael Atherton, in pointing out what they believe is an unfair advantage for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India is the only team in the tournament that does not have to travel, staying in the same hotel and playing all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, including the semi-final and final (if they qualify).
The unique scheduling arrangement was made after the Indian government denied permission for the national team to travel to Pakistan, the original host of the tournament. As a result, while other teams shuffle between Pakistan and Dubai, India remains stationed in one place.
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Van der Dussen: ‘It’s Definitely an Advantage’
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Van der Dussen called India’s situation a “definite advantage”, echoing sentiments previously voiced by Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed.
“If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” Van der Dussen said.
The South African batter further added that while this benefits India, it also puts added pressure on them to capitalize on the familiarity.
“Whoever plays them in the semi or final will be in unfamiliar conditions, but India will be used to it. The pressure is on them to make that count,” he stated.
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South Africa Prefers Lahore Over Dubai for Semi-Finals
Currently leading Group B, South Africa is on course to make the semi-finals. Depending on results, they could face India in Dubai or New Zealand in Lahore. Van der Dussen expressed a personal preference for playing in Lahore, citing better batting conditions and easier logistics.
“If I had a choice, I would pick Lahore because it’s a good place to bat. The Dubai pitch isn’t as high-scoring, and logistically, it’s easier to play in Lahore than to fly to another country,” he added.
Growing Voices on India’s ‘Advantage’
Former Australian skipper Pat Cummins, who missed the tournament due to injury, had previously called India’s situation a “huge advantage.” Meanwhile, Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed acknowledged the Dubai factor but also emphasized that Pakistan’s struggles were due to their own performance rather than India’s advantage.
“If they are playing in Dubai for a reason, they will have an advantage. But we didn’t lose just because of that. They didn’t play 10 matches there,” Aaqib remarked.
India’s Dominant Run in the Tournament
India has been dominant so far, comfortably winning against Bangladesh and Pakistan, and securing a semi-final berth. Their final group stage match against New Zealand on Sunday will determine their potential opponent in the knockout rounds.
As debate continues over India’s fixed venue advantage, the focus remains on whether Rohit Sharma’s side can capitalize on their familiarity with conditions and deliver a title-winning performance in Dubai.
