Champions Trophy Semi-Final Scheduling Drama: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduling fiasco has taken a new turn as both Australia and South Africa will fly to Dubai by Sunday noon, and then one team will return to Pakistan after the India vs New Zealand game, scheduled for Sunday.
Things could be troubled further if India win their semi-final; then the winning team from the second semi-final will have to fly to Dubai again.
All of this scheduling drama is happening because India are slated to play only in Dubai, as the Indian government had not permitted the team to fly to Pakistan.
The Group B games are over. South Africa finished at the top of the group with five points, followed by Australia, who have four points.
From Group A, both India and New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals, but the eventual standings of the group will be finalized after both these teams meet on Sunday in Dubai.
India’s semi-final will be played on March 4 in Dubai, and the second semi-final will be played on March 5 in Lahore. The final on March 9 will be played either in Dubai or Lahore, depending on whether India reaches it.
Champions Trophy Semi-Final: Teams to make extra travel due to India playing all games in Dubai
According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, Australia flew to Dubai on Saturday, and South Africa will reach there by Sunday afternoon. Then, one of those two teams, along with their opponent New Zealand, will fly to Lahore on Monday.
An ICC official has reportedly said that this decision to fly both Australia and South Africa to Dubai has been made so that the team that plays the semi-final in Dubai on March 4 gets the maximum time possible to prepare. However, the team that will play their semi-final on March 5 in Lahore would have to be in Dubai needlessly.
The winner of the second semi-final—whether New Zealand or one of South Africa and Australia—would have to then fly back to Dubai if India win their semi-final.
Earlier, South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen had opined that India have an advantage over other teams of playing in only one venue.
“It’s definitely an advantage. I saw that Pakistan was commenting about it, but it’s definitely an advantage. If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, and play in the same stadium on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” van der Dussen said.
Get the Latest Cricket Updates at IceCric.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.
