Australia Legend Dismisses 'Dubai Advantage' For India During Champions Trophy 2025, Says 'Played To The Conditions'

Australian fast-bowling legend Glenn McGrath has dismissed the notion that India had an "unfair advantage" during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by playing all their matches at a single venue in Dubai. Addressing the growing debate, McGrath asserted that the Indian team merely adapted well to the conditions and deserved full credit for their success.

"It is the way it is," McGrath told The Times of India. "India does not travel to Pakistan anymore. The matches had to be played in Dubai. You have to give credit to India; they played to the conditions. They know how to play on spinning tracks."

The debate over India's supposed advantage gained momentum after former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, Australian captain Pat Cummins, and South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller suggested that playing in Dubai worked in India's favor. However, West Indies greats Viv Richards and Andy Roberts criticized the ICC for the scheduling.

McGrath, however, dismissed the controversy by drawing a parallel with other teams playing in familiar conditions. "I do not think that they had an unfair advantage. It is like saying there is an unfair advantage if India play all their matches in India, if Australia play all their matches in Australia," he explained.

The Australian great also credited the rise of India's limited-overs dominance to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and T20 cricket. "Their IPL and T20 cricket has had a positive impact on one-day cricket. India are confident and they know their game well," McGrath added.

Highlighting India's recent performances, McGrath acknowledged their consistency in major tournaments. "It is important to protect Test cricket, but ODIs and World Cups are very important as well. India know the ODI game very well. It is a challenge for other teams to come over to India and play well. I like them to be challenged, but India are a quality team."

India has been dominant in international cricket over the past few years, reaching the ODI World Cup 2023 final, winning the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA, and clinching the Champions Trophy 2025 title.