During India’s triumphant Champions Trophy campaign, a controversy erupted over whether Rohit Sharma’s side had an unfair advantage by playing all their matches at a single venue. Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain sparked the debate, pointing out that, unlike other teams, India did not have to travel due to geopolitical tensions with Pakistan. As part of the tournament’s Hybrid Model, all of India’s matches, including the semifinal and final, were staged in Dubai, while the remaining fixtures were spread across three venues in Pakistan.
It wasn’t just Atherton and Hussain who raised concerns. Australian skipper Pat Cummins and South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen also voiced their opinions on the matter, with Proteas batter David Miller openly expressing frustration after their semifinal loss to New Zealand, citing an ‘unfair’ scheduling situation.
However, legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath took a different stance. Speaking to The Times of India, McGrath dismissed the claims of an unfair advantage, crediting India for adapting well to the conditions.
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“It is the way it is,” Glenn McGrath said. “India does not travel to Pakistan anymore, so their matches were played in Dubai. You have to give them credit—they played according to the conditions and knew how to handle spinning tracks.”
The former fast bowler argued that playing at home is common for most teams in ICC events. “If India plays all their matches in India or Australia plays all their matches in Australia, does that mean there’s an unfair advantage? Not really,” he added.
McGrath also highlighted how the IPL has positively impacted India’s one-day game. “The IPL and T20 cricket have strengthened India’s ODI team. They’re confident, know their game well, and are a tough side to beat,” he said.
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While McGrath acknowledged that teams should be challenged in different conditions, he reaffirmed that India’s dominance in ODIs is well-earned. “It’s always a challenge for visiting teams to perform in India, but that’s what makes them a quality side,” he concluded.
