Jos Buttler and Rassie van der Dussen, among others, backed their complaint by pointing out that India stayed in one city while other teams had to travel between locations throughout Pakistan. In response, Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar characterized these remarks as unfounded grievances.
The ongoing 2025 ICC Champions Trophy discussion has generated differing views among cricket experts over India’s alleged advantage. The Men in Blue playing all of their games in Dubai has been criticized by former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton as an unfair advantage.
Following their group-stage loss to India, Pakistan’s interim coach Aaqib Javed also discussed their arch-rivals’ alleged advantage, which sparked a conversation about the Champions Trophy’s scheduling. Pat Cummins of Australia and Van der Dussen of South Africa also claimed that the former champions profited from having all of their games played at the same location. Gavaskar urged the cricket players and pundits from England to concentrate on the performances of their own side instead of continuously criticizing India.
These folks are all, in my opinion, knowledgeable and smart. You should really investigate the reasons behind your team’s lack of qualification. My intention was to ask you that, sir. Are you even turning your attention to your own backyard instead of India all the time? According to India Today, Gavaskar stated, “Your players do not seem to care about results as long as they meet certain expectations—they are in such a fragile mental state.”
We have to forget about it. Let them groan some more: Sunil Gavaskar
However, the Indian government forbade the national team from visiting Pakistan, which led to this predicament because of political and security concerns. Dubai was chosen as the side’s neutral location after the BCCI suggested a hybrid arrangement.
In addition, the former batter brought up India’s contribution to world cricket finances. He underlined that Indian cricket’s earnings have an effect on players’, commentators’, and cricket boards’ pay around the world.
“It isn’t even worth commenting on, as I have stated. It isn’t, actually. Their groans never stop. They simply don’t get where India is in the world of international cricket in terms of skill, money, quality, and—above all—revenue generation. India’s contribution to international cricket is enormous and comes from media income and television rights. They must realize that their pay is derived from India’s contributions to cricket,” he continued.
South Africa, Afghanistan, and Australia defeated England during their poor season. According to Gavaskar, no one voiced any reservations about the fact that England played two games in Lahore before their final encounter in Karachi. Other teams, like as Afghanistan and Australia, also played several matches at the same location.
Results are important to you. You have a duty to care for both your nation and the team you represent. You have an even bigger obligation if you are playing for your country. India has this, India has that, they complain all the time. It does not change. We have to forget about it. Allow them groaning. We should be more focused on other things. “You have to have that kind of attitude,” Gavaskar said.
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