Aussies’ 2000km gamble pays off as ‘crazy’ reality of India advantage sinks in

Australia’s decision to fly to the United Arab Emirates in preparation for a potential semi-final against India has paid off as the Champions Trophy’s scheduling comes under further scrutiny.

Australia’s decision to fly to the United Arab Emirates in preparation for a potential semi-final against India has paid off as the Champions Trophy’s scheduling comes under further scrutiny.

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The gamble was vindicated on Sunday with India beating New Zealand in Dubai to book its spot in the semi-final against Australia that will also take place in the Gulf state.

The Indian government has banned the national team from travelling to Pakistan due to political tensions and security concerns, with the ICC scheduling each of their matches in Dubai. India has subsequently received the added benefit of training and playing in the same city across the campaign without needing to travel.

Australia and South Africa — who India would have played if NZ won — travelled across the Persian Gulf to ensure maximum time to prepare for the semi-finals. South Africa will now return to Pakistan — a 2000km flight— ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against New Zealand.

India played each of their three group-stage matches at Dubai International Stadium, while their opponent will have only been in the country for two days.

Meanwhile, the venue for the Champions Trophy final is yet to be confirmed — if India wins their semi-final, the decider will take place in Dubai, otherwise it will be hosted in Lahore.

“India are camped out in Dubai, playing in the same ground and same places, in the changing room,” BBC commentator Jonathan Agnew said before Sunday’s match.

“Both Australia and South Africa will fly to Dubai but only one will play there and the other will get back on a plane to Lahore.

“It’s all got a bit crazy.”

The problem with this schedule is that South Africa and Australia have to wait until tomorrow night to confirm if they are heading to Dubai. This leaves them with roughly 30 hours to play their semi on Tuesday after landing. And, it's going to be their 1st game at that venue...

— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) March 1, 2025

When asked about the suboptimal travel arrangements prior to knowing if Australia would play India, vice-captain Travis Head acknowledged the difference in conditions between Lahore and Dubai, with the scheduling impeding the team’s preparation.

“We’ll watch the next couple of days, stay relaxed and then get to work. I guess there’ll be two different scenarios where it could be two different conditions,” Head said.

“Whether we go to Dubai and play there, which looks like it’s a little bit more difficult or more challenging pitch than is here (in Lahore). It’s a little bit more low-scoring.

“We’ll prepare as well as we can, so we’ll see how we go.”

Earlier this week, South African batter Rassie van der Dussen said the tournament scheduling gave India an effective home advantage without being the host nation., acknowledging the uneven playing field.

“If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” van der Dussen remarked.

“I don’t think you have to be a rocket scientist to know that.”

The ODI between India and New Zealand gets underway in Dubai on Sunday, with the first ball scheduled for 8pm AEDT.

Champions Trophy Fixtures

Sunday, March 2nd – India vs New Zealand, Dubai

Tuesday, March 4th – 1st Semi-Final (India vs TBC), Dubai

Wednesday, March 5th – 2nd Semi-Final (New Zealand vs TBC), Lahore

Sunday, March 6th – Final, TBC

Originally published as Aussies’ 2000km gamble pays off as ‘crazy’ reality of India advantage sinks in