'Cricket’s integrity sacrificed' to accommodate India in Champions Trophy

The 2025 Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan, will feature two venues, with India set to play all of their matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This arrangement reflects the pressures placed on the tournament, ultimately shaped by the demands of the Modi-led government in India. The decision highlights the influence India had in determining the tournament’s structure, according to an opinion piece published in The Telegraph.

While the tournament’s final is scheduled for Lahore, if India qualifies, it will be moved to the UAE, highlighting a striking shift in how the event will be organized.

This decision raises serious questions about the integrity of the sport. Pakistan, initially awarded the hosting rights for all 15 matches in 2021, will now be forced to alter its plans if India qualifies, a move that disregards the original agreement and fans' expectations.

The situation is unprecedented, as the venue for the final might remain uncertain until just five days before the game.

India, while participating in the tournament, will play all their games in the UAE, despite the fact that Pakistan was confirmed as the host for the Champions Trophy.

This decision is not an isolated case but part of a broader trend in international cricket where India's influence is increasingly shaping the structure of global tournaments, the report noted.

In previous ICC events, India has enjoyed favorable scheduling, with matches placed in their favor, such as having the last group game to gain a strategic advantage.

These special provisions for India raise fairness concerns. Seven competing nations now face the uncertainty of where they will play knockout matches, while India has their venues locked in.

The impact is not just logistical but competitive, with other teams needing to prepare for conditions in multiple countries while India only needs to focus on one.

The focus of this arrangement, however, is not solely on fairness—it underscores India’s increasing power in the sport.

The influence of India's Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI), exemplified by the appointment of Jay Shah as the chairman of the ICC, highlights the sport’s deep entanglement with political and financial forces.