The ICC Champions Trophy has faced significant criticism regarding its organisation, particularly in relation to the scheduling and travel arrangements that have affected participating teams. The tournament, which is taking place in Pakistan, has mandated that India play its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leading to confusion and logistical challenges.

This situation came to a head during the semifinals, held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The South African team found itself compelled to make a quick round trip to Dubai, travelling back and forth in rapid succession due to the unpredictable scheduling of matches. The teams were not informed of their semifinal matchups until less than 48 hours before the first game was set to begin in Dubai.

David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, a former English cricketer and well-known commentator, expressed his strong views on the matter in a video shared on social media platform X. Speaking on the scheduling issues, he articulated, “It’s really embarrassing that this is one of the highest, most important events in world cricket, and the arrangements of playing are farcical.” He described the need for such travel as “laughable” and acknowledged the humour in the situation while highlighting that it would not be amusing for the players involved. Lloyd has been an outspoken critic of ICC tournament scheduling in the past, noting previous concerns about groups involving Pakistan and India.

During the semifinals, tensions around the venue arrangement heightened as both Australia and South Africa were required to travel to Dubai, influenced by the outcome of India’s match against New Zealand. The conclusion of India’s match determined which of the two teams would compete in the first semifinal against India and who would face New Zealand in the second semifinal. This lack of clarity around semifinal pairings has puzzled many within the cricket community. Lloyd further commented, “It is just nonsense. I really don’t know how else to describe it, this is a world event,” underlining the confusion surrounding the rapid inter-city travel arrangements.

Following the intense travel challenge, India succeeded in defeating Australia in the semifinal, advancing to the final. In contrast, South Africa’s hurried travel back to Lahore appears to have contributed to their downfall against New Zealand the following day. The decision to hold two matches in Dubai within a span of three days has been a focal point of criticism, with many believing it has favoured India while neglecting the logistical concerns for other teams.

Despite the uproar regarding organisation, India remains steadfast in their march through the tournament, now headed to their third consecutive Champions Trophy final, which will take place in Dubai against New Zealand.

Source: Noah Wire Services