A growing debate has emerged over India’s exclusive arrangement for the 2025 Champions Trophy, where they will play all their matches in Dubai while other teams must travel between three cities in Pakistan and the Emirate. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns led to this arrangement, raising eyebrows across the cricketing world.
England captain Jos Buttler has now weighed in on the matter, offering a subtle yet pointed remark about the situation. While he remained diplomatic, his words hinted at some discontent.
“Not really. I think it’s a unique tournament already, isn’t it, with being hosted here with one team playing in a different place but that’s not something I’m sort of worried too much about at the moment. I’ve got all my focus on preparing well tonight and our game tomorrow,” Buttler remarked during a pre-match press conference ahead of England’s clash with Afghanistan.
His comments follow observations from former England captains Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain, who highlighted the advantage India gains by playing in a single venue. Unlike their competitors, who must adapt to varying conditions across multiple locations, India will remain in familiar territory, potentially benefiting from the consistency.
As discussions around fairness and logistics continue, Buttler’s words add to the ongoing debate over whether this arrangement gives India an undue edge in the tournament.
