'Some Win By Scheduling': Former Pakistan Pacer Takes Dig At India With Champions Trophy 'Distance Traveled' Claim

There has been plenty of criticism over India playing all their matches in Dubai while other teams have travelled between different venues during Champions Trophy.

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India have played all their matches in Dubai. (AP Photo)

With India reaching the final of the Champions Trophy, the voices critical of the Rohit Sharma-led side playing all their matches at a single venue and not having to shuttle between cities or countries continue to grow. Latest to join the debate is former Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan who has taken a not-so-subtle dig at the scheduling of the ICC tournament by pointing out the stark differences in the distances travelled by New Zealand and South Africa in a direct comparison to India.

Junaid wrote that New Zealand traveled 7,150 KM for their matches in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Dubai and Lahore. On the other hand, South Africa covered 3,286 KM while traveling between Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Dubai.

South Africa had a hectic schedule as they had to camp in Dubai for briefly before returning to Pakistan once the semifinal matchups were confirmed with India’s win over New Zealand in the final group A fixture last Sunday.

“Distance travelled between matches in Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand: 7,150 KM, South Africa: 3,286 KM, India: 0 KM," Junaid wrote on X.

“Some teams win by skill, some win by scheduling…," he added.

The 35-year-old Junaid played 22 Tests, 76 ODIs and 9 T20Is between 2011 an 2019. He took a combined 189 wickets in them.

The likes of Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Rassie van dur Dussen among others have expressed their displeasure over the Champions Trophy scheduling and how it has proved to be beneficial to India who have been confined to Dubai unlike their opponents.

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Champions Trophy was originally scheduled to be held entirely in Pakistan but due to BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team across the border, a Hybrid Model was agreed upon. As per the model, India’s matches were held in Dubai (including a semifinal and the final should they qualify) while other teams played in Pakistan.

South Africa batter David Miller had vented his frustration at his team having to shuttle between Dubai and Lahore before adding he will be supporting New Zealand in the final.

Location :
New Delhi, India, India

First Published:
March 09, 2025, 12:19 IST