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Former Australia pace legend Glenn McGrath has dismissed claims that India had an unfair advantage during their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph. Responding to criticism from former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, McGrath insisted that Rohit Sharma’s side deserved full credit for their dominant performance.
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India Clinches Champions Trophy 2025 Undefeated
India lifted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Throughout the tournament, the Men in Blue were unstoppable, remaining undefeated and securing victories over Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand (twice), and Australia in the semifinals.
However, controversy erupted as India played all their matches in Dubai, unlike other teams that had to travel. Critics, including Hussain and Atherton, suggested that this scheduling gave India an advantage, as they were familiar with the slow, spin-friendly conditions.
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Glenn McGrath Defends India’s Victory
Dismissing the controversy, McGrath stated that India was simply the best team in the tournament and deserved the trophy. Speaking to the Times of India, he said:
“They were the team to beat, and they played well. Virat Kohli came back to form, as did the other guys. Australia had their chances in the semifinal, but India played well on spin-friendly pitches.”
“No Unfair Advantage for India” – McGrath
Responding directly to claims of unfair advantage, McGrath stressed that the hybrid model was unavoidable since India does not travel to Pakistan, and the conditions in Dubai were the same for all teams.
“It is the way it is. India does not travel to Pakistan anymore. The matches had to be played in Dubai. You have to give credit to India – they played to the conditions.”
He further argued that calling India’s campaign “unfair” was as illogical as calling Australia playing at home an unfair advantage.
“They know how to play on spinning tracks. I do not think that they had an unfair advantage. It is like saying there is an unfair advantage if India play all their matches in India, or if Australia play all their matches in Australia.”
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Champions Trophy 2025: A Controversial Yet Historic Win for India
Despite the backlash, India’s dominant run in the Champions Trophy showcased their adaptability and consistency. Rohit Sharma’s men proved why they are the No.1 team in the world, regardless of external noise.
With a T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy victory under their belt in just one year, is this Indian team the greatest of all time? Let us know your thoughts!
