Champions Trophy: "In Pakistan, India Would've...": Sourav Ganguly on CT Venue Row
March 3, 2025: Team India has been unstoppable in the Champions Trophy 2025, securing a semifinal spot with three consecutive wins, including a dominant victory over New Zealand in Dubai. However, the decision to host all of India’s matches in Dubai, instead of Pakistan—originally designated as the tournament host—has sparked debate among former and current international cricketers.
Ex-England stars Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton, alongside Jos Buttler and Rassie van der Dussen, voiced concerns over a potential “unfair advantage” given to India. With the Indian government barring the national team from traveling to Pakistan, the ICC adopted a hybrid model, with Dubai hosting India’s group-stage games.
Amidst these claims, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly dismissed the notion of an unfair advantage. Instead, he asserted that India would have performed even better had they played in Pakistan due to the batting-friendly pitches.
Also Read: Champions Trophy: India vs Australia Semi-Final: When and Where to Watch
“The pitches in Pakistan are much better. India would’ve scored more runs there,” Ganguly remarked at an event.
His statement challenges the critics by highlighting that Pakistan’s flat and high-scoring wickets would have favored India’s batting lineup even more.
As India prepares for a high-voltage semifinal clash against Australia, history suggests a tough battle ahead. The last time India defeated Australia in an ICC knockout match was during the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal. Since then, India has struggled against the Aussies in crucial ICC knockouts, losing:
🔹 2015 ODI World Cup semifinal
🔹 2023 ODI World Cup final
🔹 2023 World Test Championship final
However, this time, India’s potent spin attack and familiarity with Dubai’s conditions could be decisive against an injury-hit Australian squad, missing key pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc.
Australia’s stunning 352-run chase against England in Lahore proves their depth, making the semifinal a high-stakes encounter.
Despite past heartbreaks, India enters the semifinal in top form, backed by a strong bowling unit and a confident batting lineup. With Dubai’s unpredictable pitch conditions, the key battle will be between India’s spinners vs. Australia’s aggressive batting lineup.
Will Rohit Sharma & Co. break the knockout jinx and march into the Champions Trophy 2025 final? The cricket world is watching!
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