‘Pitches in Pakistan are Absolutely Fine’: Sourav Ganguly Strikes Back at Critics over Champions Trophy Venue Dispute

New Delhi: The Indian cricket team has once again advanced to the knock out stage of an ICC tournament without a single defeat, after defeating New Zealand comfortably in Dubai on Sunday. India is the only team to have won all their group stage matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, there have been allegations of India having an unfair advantage by playing all their matches in Dubai. The Indian Government's decision to not allow the national cricket team to travel to Pakistan citing security concerns lead to the ICC hosting the event in a hybrid manner. Former England cricketers and commentators Naseer Hussain and Mike Atherton expressed their displeasure with the situation. South African batsman and England Captain Jos Buttler also echoed their sentiments about the perceived unfair advantage.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly responded to the critics by stating that India could have scored more runs if they were playing on the pitches in Pakistan.

“The pitches in Pakistan are much better. India would’ve scored more runs there,” he said at an event.

Meanwhile, history may not be in their favor, but India will look to capitalize on their strong spin attack and familiarity with the conditions to overcome their knockout-stage struggles against a depleted Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal on Tuesday.

It won’t be a straightforward challenge, as Australia remains a formidable force in global tournaments, even without key pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. Their remarkable chase of 352 against England in Lahore just days ago is proof of their resilience.

India’s last victory over Australia in an ICC knockout match dates back to the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal. Since then, they have suffered crucial defeats—falling in the 2015 ODI World Cup semifinal, the 2023 ODI World Cup final, and the 2023 World Test Championship final. There has been some outrage among Pakistani fans as they were keen to watch Indian cricket team player to play in Pakistan such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul. The home team which had the advantage of home condition became the first team to be out of the event.