‘It Makes Me Laugh…’: R Ashwin Opines On India’s ‘Undue’ Dubai Advantage

Last Updated:March 08, 2025, 11:58 IST

According to the hybrid model in place for the Champions Trophy, India have been scheduled to play all their games in Dubai.

Virat Kohli watches rest of the match from the stand during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal cricket match between India and Australia (Picture credit: AP)

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has said that it makes him laugh to think that certain pundits and experts have claimed that the Indian team has an undue advantage in the Champions Trophy since they are playing all their matches at one venue, in Dubai.

A huge section of participating teams, fans and experts have complained about the fact that India have profited by having the luxury of playing in Dubai.

To highlight how playing at the same venue isn’t as much of an advantage as it sounds, Ashwin cited South Africa’s 2009 Champions Trophy campaign as an example.

“I want to clear one thing. Tournaments are won based on performances, not excuses. It makes me laugh after watching the same questions being repeated in the press conferences to captains and coaches,” Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“South Africa had played all of their matches at the same venue in the 2009 Champions Trophy, they did not even qualify. India last played ODIs in UAE in the Asia Cup, it was before COVID,” Ashwin said.

India are yet to lose an ODI in Dubai, having won the 2018 Asia Cup and a spotless 2025 Champions Trophy campaign so far.

Ashwin hit out at opposition teams for making a meal out of the fact that India have played in Dubai in the Champions Trophy, instead of focusing on their performance and shortcomings.

“Other teams have toured UAE and played since then, but not India. I know one team; they come to India, lose 4-0, then say that the pitches were not good. Focus on yourselves,” Ashwin said.

“Indian cricket is one proud point for this country. To even throw mud on our players because somebody else is setting the narrative, please don’t go for it,” Ashwin added.

New Zealand have had to travel almost 7000 km till now, but haven’t spoken against the scheduling even once.

“Let’s say New Zealand win the final or loses it, and if you go and ask someone like Williamson or Santner, they will for sure say that India played well; that is why New Zealand Cricket team have fans,” Ashwin said.

For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!