ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammed Shami admits India have advantage playing all games in Dubai

Mohammed Shami is India’s highest wicket-taker of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with 8 scalps.

Mohammed Shami, the fast bowler for Team India, has spoken out regarding the Rohit Sharma-led squad’s decision to play all of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 games in Dubai. 

Mohammed Shami acknowledged that playing in Dubai had been advantageous for them, noting that they were familiar with the venue’s pitch conditions and demeanor.

India’s unfair advantage in playing all of their Champions Trophy 2025 matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been questioned by a number of cricket players and analysts, including Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton. 

Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, who were in Group A with India, had to travel to Dubai for their group matches. In addition, South Africa and New Zealand had to travel to Dubai and back to Pakistan after Australia were confirmed as India’s opponent in the semi-finals.

Now New Zealand will travel back to Dubai for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, to be played on March 9.

Mohammed Shami on the benefits of playing all matches in Dubai

Mohammed Shami said that India had benefited from playing all of their games in Dubai. Shami admitted that the team has benefited from their familiarity with the venue’s pitch behavior and conditions.

“It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behavior of the pitch. “ It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue,” Shami said on Tuesday after the semi-final win over Australia.

After bowling his allotted ten overs against Australia in the semi-final, Mohammed Shami dismissed doubts about his fitness. He stated that he is trying to get back into his groove because he has two games in three days. Shami said that he is ready to bowl for extended periods of time if necessary.

“I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more for the team. I am ready to bowl long spells,” said Shami.

India refused to travel to Pakistan after the government declined their request to do so. The reason given was geopolitical, and after months of deliberation, a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was agreed upon by the ICC, BCCI, and PCB.

Pakistan were assigned to host all Group B matches and one semi-final and final if India didn’t qualify. India would play all of its games in Dubai, one semi-final, and now that they have qualified, the final as well.

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