The former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has slammed the criticism at India that playing all their matches in Dubai giving them an unfair home advantage in the Champions Trophy 2025.
With the tournament having witnessed a lot of action-pack entertainment, the ICC event also seen its fair share of drama and heartbreak, including the early elimination of hosts Pakistan.
However, India playing their matches in Dubai has stirred controversy, with the spotlight on the venue for the final between India and New Zealand.
The Men in Blues didn’t travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to political tension between both nations. The BCCI requested for a neutral venue, which was accepted by ICC, and they picked Dubai as the venue for all India’s matches.
The decision has been criticised by several pundits and current players of other teams, with many pointing out that it gives India home advantage in the tournament.
Notably, Aussies captain Pat Cummins who missed the tournament due to injury, criticised the decision too and felt that it gives India an unfair advantage.
Ashwin who announced his international retirement during the Border Gavaskar Trophy, decided to weigh in on the controversy and lashed out at Team India’s critics.
“I can only laugh at the questions directed at our captain, coaches in the press conference about ‘home advantage’.”
“In 2009 Champions Trophy, South Africa played all their matches at the same venue and they did not qualify for the final. It is not South Africa’s fault that they did not qualify.”
“Let’s accept that India have played class cricket and have reached the final due to top performances. Last time India played in Dubai was during COVID. After that New Zealand, England, South Africa played in Dubai,” said Ashwin.
“This narrative, there is one team which comes to India and lose 4-0 and then blame the pitch. To throw mud on our players, please don’t go for that narrative.”
“Even Indian people buying into that narrative is something I have an issue with. I still have I am having nerves. I am not having the greatest of feelings. After New Zealand’s win against South Africa, I am feeling, ‘Once again can they hurt us.’”
India and New Zealand will clash once again in the finals of the Champions Trophy 2025 on March 09 at Dubai International Stadium.
