"Dubai has hosted the Champions Trophy brilliantly" - Michael Vaughan brutally mocks official host Pakistan

India, led by Rohit Sharma, beat Steve Smith-led Australia in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, March 4. Following the recent match, former England skipper Michael Vaughan mocked Pakistan over hosting the Champions Trophy.

Several experts, including former England cricketers Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, have pointed out that India had an unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy by playing all their matches at a single venue. Meanwhile, other teams had to travel between different venues throughout the tournament.

Players have also been asked about the tournament's scheduling in press conferences. Many believe that India benefited from not having to adjust to varying pitch conditions and travel demands, unlike other teams.

BCCI Refused To Send Indian Team To Pakistan For Champions Trophy

The BCCI refused to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan over security concerns. After discussions, Pakistan agreed to host the event under a hybrid model, where India’s matches, including the final, would be played in Dubai. Notably, Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights for the ICC event.

This arrangement gave India the advantage of selecting their squad based on a single venue. The slow, spin-friendly pitches in Dubai have been different from those in Pakistan, where the conditions are more batting-friendly. This has allowed India to dominate with their spin-heavy bowling attack.

Michael Vaughan Takes a Dig at Pakistan Over ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Hosting

Michael Vaughan took a dig at Pakistan regarding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He sarcastically stated that Dubai is hosting the tournament, despite Pakistan being the official host nation. Michael Vaughan said that Pakistan have little involvement in the tournament.

"Dubai has hosted the #ChampionsTrophy brilliantly .. 😜😜," Michael Vaughan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Dubai has hosted the #ChampionsTrophy brilliantly .. 😜😜

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 4, 2025

Australia posted a competitive total of 264 in 49.3 overs after electing to bat first. Steven Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) smashed fifties. In response, India successfully chased down the target in 48.1 overs. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a vital 84-run knock to help India secure a four-wicket victory.

South Africa Set to Face New Zealand in Second Semifinal in Lahore

South Africa are scheduled to take on New Zealand in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5.

The semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand will also be the final match of the tournament to be hosted in Pakistan. As per the schedule, the winner of this clash will meet India in the final, set to be played in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.

South Africa advanced to the semifinals with dominant wins over Afghanistan (107 runs) and England (seven wickets), while their match against Australia was washed out.

Meanwhile, New Zealand began their campaign with convincing wins over Pakistan (60 runs) and Bangladesh (five wickets) but lost their final group-stage match against India by 44 runs.

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