Champions Trophy: NZ Coach Says "Out Of Our Hands, Wouldn't Worry About It Much" On Travelling To Dubai For Playing Final Against India

March 7, 2025: Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy final against India, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead addressed the potential impact of the venue change from Lahore to Dubai for the title clash. Stead maintained that the situation was "out of their hands" and emphasized that they wouldn't be overly concerned about the change. Since New Zealand had already played India in Dubai during the group stages, Stead expressed confidence that they could learn from that experience and adapt to the conditions in the final.

The final match on March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium is expected to be a thrilling contest. India has been undefeated throughout the tournament, while New Zealand has been solid under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner. This final is especially significant as it marks a rematch from the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final, which New Zealand won. India is looking to avenge its losses to the Blackcaps in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.

Stead acknowledged the challenges of adapting to different playing conditions, particularly after New Zealand's travel from Pakistan, which has more batting-friendly conditions, to Dubai, where the surfaces tend to favor bowlers. He noted that adjusting to the new venue and conditions is part of the game and would require the team to be smart with their tactics.

Stead also discussed how the travel and shift in conditions might affect the team physically, saying, "I think there is no doubt that coming here or playing Lahore and we had a full day of travel yesterday, then it just takes it out of you a little bit. But we have got a couple of days now of a little bit of recovery and a little bit of planning and training towards the game."

In response to concerns about the advantage India might have gained by playing all their matches in Dubai, Stead stated that such matters were beyond their control and emphasized focusing on their own preparation. He added that they would work on being mentally and physically prepared for the final, regardless of any perceived advantages or disadvantages.

Meanwhile, India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, quickly dismissed any suggestions that his team had gained an unfair advantage by playing all their matches in Dubai. Gambhir explained that India’s squad selection was based on the subcontinental conditions and not on any specific venue. He further criticized those who were "perpetual cribbers" and insisted that India had not received any undue advantage. Gambhir also pointed out that the team had not practiced in Dubai prior to the tournament and had been training at the ICC Academy, which offered vastly different conditions compared to those in Dubai.

As the two teams prepare for the final, both will be keenly aware of the challenges posed by the conditions in Dubai. However, both Stead and Gambhir have shown confidence in their respective teams’ ability to adapt and perform on the big stage. The ICC Champions Trophy final promises to be an exciting clash between two top cricketing nations.