Former Australian Pacer Questions India’s Champions Trophy Schedule

Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has raised concerns about India’s scheduling advantage in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, questioning the fairness of their arrangement to play all their group matches in Abu Dhabi rather than in Pakistan.

Johnson pointed out that while India’s security concerns are valid, their ability to play on the same pitch throughout the tournament offers them an unfair edge over other participating teams.

Johnson voiced his concerns while writing for local media in his home country. “Many respected voices have pointed out that this seems unfair to the other teams,” Johnson said, emphasizing that such an arrangement could undermine the competition’s integrity.

This is not the first time the ICC has faced scrutiny over decisions related to India, and Johnson believes it once again highlights broader questions about tournament logistics and fairness. “It raises questions about the overall integrity of the tournament,” he noted.

The debate over India’s matches comes as the final venue remains unconfirmed, with the ICC keeping its options open between Dubai and Lahore. Johnson cited past examples, including New Zealand’s experience in the 2015 World Cup, where the Black Caps played all their group-stage games at home but struggled in unfamiliar conditions during the final in Melbourne.

“The ability to adapt is important,” Johnson acknowledged, “but it is equally critical to maintain some uniformity in tournament logistics to uphold the integrity of the competition.”

Mitchell Johnson’s concerns are further highlighted by the fact that his former team would not know whether they will play their Champions Trophy semifinal (if they qualify) in Dubai or Pakistan until just over a day before the match is set to take place. India, however, does not share this uncertainty, as they will play at the same venue regardless of the date of the contest.