The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has highlighted a major contrast in travel schedules among teams, with distances ranging from zero to over 7,000 km.
While some squads moved between multiple cities in Pakistan and the UAE, others remained stationed at a single venue, raising questions about logistical advantages.
Here’s a breakdown of how much each team travelled during the tournament:
India – 0 km
India played all its matches in Dubai due to geopolitical reasons that prevented the team from travelling to Pakistan. As a result, they had no travel burden throughout the tournament.
New Zealand – 7,048 km
New Zealand recorded the highest travel distance, covering 7,048 km across Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Dubai. Their journey took them across four different venues before returning to Dubai for the final.
South Africa – 3,286 km
South Africa played in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Dubai, and Lahore, boarding five flights and accumulating 3,286 km in travel distance.
Pakistan – 3,133 km
As co-hosts, Pakistan still had significant travel, playing matches in Karachi, Dubai, and Rawalpindi, covering 3,133 km over the course of the tournament.
Australia – 2,509 km
Australia began their campaign in Lahore, moved to Rawalpindi, returned to Lahore, and then travelled to Dubai for the semi-finals, covering 2,509 km.
Bangladesh – 1,953 km
Bangladesh played in Dubai against India before travelling to Rawalpindi for their next two games, recording a total of 1,953 km in travel.
Afghanistan – 1,200 km
Afghanistan started their tournament in Karachi and played the rest of their matches in Lahore, covering 1,200 km.
England – 1,020 km
England played all their group-stage matches in Pakistan before being eliminated, travelling 1,020 km across the country.
Scheduling controversy sparks debate
The wide disparity in travel distances has led to discussions about fairness, particularly as India remained in Dubai while other teams moved between multiple venues. Critics argue that this provided an undue advantage by reducing fatigue and allowing for better recovery.
Former Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan weighed in on the issue, tweeting: "Distance travelled in Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand – 7,150 KM, South Africa – 3,286 KM, India – 0 KM. Some teams win by skill, some win by scheduling."
While no official complaints were raised before the tournament, the discussion highlights how travel schedules can impact teams in international competitions.
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