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Guy Heveldt: Why I'll be cheering for the Aussies in their Champions Trophy semi-final against India
Guy Heveldt • March 4th, 2025 4:30 pm
Photo: Photosport
I never thought I would say this - I will be cheering wholeheartedly for Australia in their Champions Trophy semi-final against India.
Not because I’ve suddenly become an Australian cricket fan, far from it. No, it’s because India’s blatant advantage for this particular tournament makes the entire thing a farce.
If you aren’t aware – India are solely based in Dubai for the duration of the tournament for security reasons. The reason I have no problem with. Politically, it has to be done. But what it means is their campaign is considerably easier than any of their opponents.
They are settled in the UAE for every match, getting the same conditions, without any travel and they can leave their hotel and enjoy the sights and sounds. The other seven teams have to travel around, have to adapt to different pitches and conditions and are essentially stuck inside, aside from trainings.
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South Africa have it worse than any other team. Not only have they had to contend with the above, like every other team, but they and Australia were forced to fly to Dubai in case they were required for the first semi-final against India tomorrow night. The Proteas who, keep in mind, actually finished top of Group B, instead now have to fly back to Pakistan for their semi-final against the Blackcaps.
The travel isn’t exactly arduous – a flight time of about three hours from Dubai to Lahore and they’ll no doubt have the comforts of an airline lounge and business class to enjoy.
But that’s not the point. The way the BCCI can just take the piss in international cricket has reached a ridiculous level. Sadly money talks and nobody is willing to stand up to them. They know that. It will never change, but it is a considerable blight on the game. If they are to go on and win the tournament, I doubt there’ll be many teams celebrating it with them.
Will this opinion piece change absolutely anything in the world of cricket?
Obviously not. But I just had to get it off my chest.
Oh and go on you Aussies.
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