India aims to leverage ‘advantage’ in Champions Trophy Semifinal against Australia
India and Australia played against each other in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy on March 4, 2025. Although Pakistan is the host, India chose to play all its matches in Dubai due to safety worries.
This choice has sparked talk about whether India has an edge by playing in one place, affecting the lead-up to the knockout stages. The Indian government has blocked the team from going to Pakistan due to security risks in the north near Jammu and Kashmir.
The Champions Trophy relies on India’s funds, so all matches are in Dubai, including the semifinal and final on March 9, 2025, if India makes it. If not, the final will shift to Lahore.
This led to issues with plans and travel for the Champions Trophy. Oddly, Pakistan lost its hosting rights and had to travel to Dubai to play against India, where they lost.
South Africa and Australia flew to Dubai since it was unclear who would face India in the semifinals. Only after India beat New Zealand, South Africa returned to Pakistan to prepare for their match on March 5. Many see this special treatment as giving India a strong advantage.
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