India’s Champions Trophy: Winning through advantage or skill?

Today, India stands on the brink of another Champions Trophy title, hoping to add to their previous two wins. 

But the road to the final has been anything but smooth for some, with many questioning the fairness of how the tournament has been organized.

India, having reached the final four times, is aiming to bring home the trophy again. 

However, their last appearance in the final in 2017 ended with a loss to Pakistan. 

Today’s match offers India another opportunity to claim the prestigious title, but this time, they’ll face New Zealand, a team that has its own reason to celebrate.

For New Zealand, the final is a chance to relive their glory from 25 years ago when they defeated India in the 2000 final in Nairobi. 

Since then, the Kiwis have had their share of heartbreaks, with their last chance for a title slipping away in 2009, when they lost to Australia in the final.

Both teams will meet at Dubai International Stadium today, with the match scheduled for 3 PM Bangladesh time. 

However, ahead of this eagerly anticipated final, former Pakistani fast bowler Junaid Khan stirred controversy with a pointed remark on social media. 

“Some teams win through skill, and others win by creating a schedule!” 

He posted, referring to the ongoing debate about the fairness of the tournament’s scheduling and venue decisions.

The controversy stems from India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns due to political tensions. 

As a result, the tournament has adopted a hybrid format. While Pakistan is officially listed as the host, all of India’s matches have been played in Dubai, sparking questions about whether this arrangement gives India an unfair advantage.

India has already played all of their four group-stage matches in Dubai. 

Even with India advancing to the final, the venue was changed from Lahore to Dubai. 

This has left many wondering if this shift in location is another example of favoritism.

On the other hand, New Zealand has had to endure much more travel. 

The Kiwis first played their group-stage match against Pakistan in Karachi, then traveled to Rawalpindi to face Bangladesh. 

From there, they made their way to Dubai to face India in the final group match. 

After playing India, New Zealand had to fly back to Pakistan for the semi-final against South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. 

Finally, they return to Dubai for today’s final.

Throughout the tournament, New Zealand has been constantly on the move, adjusting to new venues, different hotel accommodations, and varying conditions. 

In contrast, India has had the luxury of staying in the same hotel, practicing at the same location, and playing all their matches at one venue. 

This situation has drawn widespread criticism, with many feeling that the scheduling has been biased in India’s favor.

South African cricketer Rassie van der Dussen has openly criticized the situation, saying it’s clear that India is getting additional benefits. 

West Indian legend Viv Richards has also questioned why India is being given these advantages. 

South African cricketer David Miller, frustrated with the travel challenges, even went as far as to say he would support New Zealand in the final.

Junaid Khan added his voice to the criticism in a recent post on social media, writing, 

“New Zealand: 7,150 km, South Africa: 3,286 km, India: 0 km. Some teams win by skill, some win by scheduling…”

These comments echo the ongoing concern about India’s perceived advantage in the tournament. 

This is not the first time India’s favorable conditions have been called into question. 

Earlier, India’s coach Gautam Gambhir brushed aside these claims. 

When asked about the advantages, he responded, “What advantage are you talking about? We practice at the ICC Academy, where the conditions are different from the stadium. Some people just like to poke fun. They need to grow up.” 

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak echoed this sentiment, saying he couldn’t understand how anyone could think India was receiving special treatment.

How India Always Gets Advantage: The Role of ICC President Jay Shah

This ongoing debate about the fairness of India’s position in international tournaments is not a new one. 

India has often benefited from favorable scheduling and venue arrangements. 

A big factor in this trend is Jay Shah, the current president of the International Cricket Council (ICC). 

Under his leadership, India has experienced even more influence in the world of cricket, leading to concerns about whether the ICC is being impartial in its decision-making process.

There have been numerous instances where India has appeared to get an edge due to scheduling, venue choices, and logistical arrangements. 

Critics argue that this advantage is not accidental but part of a wider pattern of favoritism. 

Whether it’s the frequent hosting of ICC events in India or preferential treatment in tournament logistics, the questions surrounding the ICC’s fairness are becoming more frequent and louder.

As the Champions Trophy final approaches, the influence of India within the ICC remains a topic of intense scrutiny. 

Fans and players from other nations are increasingly questioning whether the ICC is truly ensuring that all teams are treated equally. 

The ongoing debates over scheduling, venue shifts, and travel conditions highlight a larger issue: Is India’s power within the ICC leading to an uneven playing field? The conversation is likely to continue long after the final is over.