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West Indies' legendary batter Viv Richards as questioned the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the scheduling of India's Champions Trophy 2025 matches at a single venue, Dubai Cricket Association Stadium. Richards echoed the sentiments of former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton who feel India have a huge advantage playing their matches in Dubai while other teams have to travel, prepare and select teams for different venues.
"People may have a point when they say that. I guess that's due to politics — I don't want to get into the politic side of things,” he said as quoted by PTI.
“But I believe the people who are responsible, in terms of the governing and the ruling of the game in itself which is the ICC, they're the ones who I think got the problem.
“I would like them to come up with an answer, why? If they are the governing body of cricket, why is that happening at present? I honestly believe one of the things that can bring all of us together, fans and everyone, even enemies together, (is) sports," he added.
On March 2, India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in their last group stage. India have been unbeaten in the tournament so far. Meanwhile, India's semifinal opponent Australia started with a record-breaking run chase against England but their matches against South Africa and Afghanistan could not produce a result due to rain.
Both semifinalists from Group B, South Africa and Australia had to travel to Dubai before the clash against India and New Zealand. After the match, South Africa had to return to Pakistan where they will face New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 5. Australia stayed back and will face India in first semifinal on March 4.
India, Australia's ODI record in Dubai
India have played nine ODIs in Dubai and are yet to be beaten. They had a tied game against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2018. On the other hand, Australia have played five ODIs in Dubai against Pakistan. They lost their ODI on Dubai soil in 2009 but followed it up with four consecutive wins with most recent being in 2019.
