Pat Cummins has raised concerns about India’s significant advantage in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Australian captain, who is absent from the tournament due to an ankle injury and family commitments, believes India’s matches being played exclusively in Dubai give them a distinct edge over other teams.
Cummins, who opted out of the tournament to recover and be with his family for the birth of his second child, pointed out that playing at the same venue throughout the tournament benefits India. “It’s good that the tournament continues, but it definitely gives India a big advantage to play all their matches on the same ground,” he said in an interview with Yahoo Sports Australia.
The tournament was originally scheduled with all matches in Pakistan. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its team due to security concerns. As a result, a hybrid model was introduced, with India’s matches scheduled in Dubai, while the rest of the teams play in Pakistan’s Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. This change has sparked debate over fairness, with Cummins adding that India already appeared strong and now had the extra benefit of familiar conditions in Dubai.
Despite the controversy over the hybrid model, India has had a strong start, winning their first two games convincingly. They defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan by six wickets each, securing a semifinal spot. The first semifinal will also be played in Dubai, further emphasizing Cummins’ concerns about India’s home ground advantage.
Australia, meanwhile, has made an impressive start in the tournament under the leadership of Steve Smith, who is filling in for Cummins. Australia beat England in Lahore, with Josh Inglis playing a match-winning knock of 120 runs off 86 balls, leading them to chase down 352.
Reflecting on his absence, Cummins shared that he was enjoying time at home. His ankle rehabilitation is progressing well, and he expects to start running and bowling soon. Cummins will return to action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) next month, where he will lead SunRisers Hyderabad.
As the tournament enters its knockout stage, debates about the hybrid model and India’s venue advantage are expected to continue. The ICC has yet to address Cummins’ concerns, and it remains to be seen if any changes will be made.
