Follow UsDespite Pakistan being the official hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India have played all their matches in Dubai. As a result, many cricketers and experts have slammed the special preference given to India as they get to stay in the same city and play on the same ground throughout the tournament, while the others have to oscillate between Pakistan and Dubai to cater to India's schedule.
However, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has slammed such comments and feels these are just excuses the teams are making up for their losses.
In fact, Ashwin took the example of the 2009 hosts, South Africa, who played all three matches at the same venue yet lost.
"I want to clear one thing. Tournaments are won on the basis of performances and not excuses. It makes me laugh after watching the same questions being repeated in the press conferences to captains and coaches. South Africa had played all of their matches at the same venue in the 2009 Champions Trophy, they did not even qualify. India last played ODIs in UAE in the Asia Cup, it was before COVID," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
"Other teams have toured UAE and played since then, but not India. I know one team they come to India, lose 4-0, then say that the pitches were not good. Focus on yourselves. Indian cricket is one proud point for this country. To even throw mud on our own players because somebody else is setting the narrative, please don't go for it."
However, Ashwin lauded New Zealand for not making such comments and feels that India supporters would not mind even if the Kiwis go on to win the Champions Trophy.
"Let's say New Zealand win the final or lose it, and if you go and ask someone like Williamson or Santner, they will for sure say that India played well, that is why New Zealand Cricket team have fans. They are classy and gentlemen. That is why Indian fans do not have a problem with New Zealand also going onto win," he said.
India and New Zealand clash in the Champions Trophy final on March 9 (Sunday) in Dubai.