Champions Trophy scheduling forces unusual travel plans for participating teams

The scheduling of the Champions Trophy semi-finals in two different countries has created a tricky situation for teams from Group B. Australia and South Africa, the most likely qualifiers, will travel to Dubai on Saturday, even though one of them will have to return to Pakistan for their semi-final match.  

An ICC official explained that this decision was made to give the team playing in Dubai on March 4 more time to prepare. However, it also means one team will have to leave Pakistan, train in Dubai, and then return the next day for the second semi-final in Lahore on March 5.  

Australia has already left for Dubai after their game against Afghanistan was abandoned in Lahore. If South Africa qualifies, as expected, they will depart from Karachi for Dubai soon after their match against England. In case Afghanistan qualifies instead of South Africa, they will also travel to Dubai immediately.  

The final match-ups and locations for the semi-finals will only be confirmed after India and New Zealand play the last group game on Sunday. India is set to play in Dubai no matter where they finish in their group. This means the two Group B teams will only know their semi-final venue once India’s game against New Zealand is completed.  

This situation arose because India is not playing any matches in Pakistan, even though the country is the official host of the tournament. The PCB had tried for months to get India to play in Lahore, but the BCCI stated that the Indian government did not allow the team to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions.  

The uncertainty extends to the final as well. If India wins their semi-final, the final will take place in Dubai. But if they lose, it will be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.