Nasser Hussain attacks team India after England's chances in Champions Trophy 2025 look bleak

Former England captain Nasser Hussain feels that India have an "undeniable advantage" in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Nasser Hussain pointed out that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send the team to Pakistan and added that all of India's matches are scheduled in Dubai.

India and New Zealand have confirmed their spots in the semifinals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from Group A, while Pakistan and Bangladesh have been eliminated. The qualification was confirmed after New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in Rawalpindi on Monday, February 24.

Pakistan Eliminated from the Champions Trophy 2025 in Just Six Days

India defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan by six wickets each in their first two matches. On the other hand, New Zealand also registered two wins in as many matches. Pakistan and Bangladesh are yet to open their account, and a win in their final match won’t be enough for them to qualify for the semi-final.

Pakistan, who are hosting an ICC tournament after 29 years, were eliminated from the Champions Trophy in just six days. The Mohammad Rizwan-led team will face Bangladesh in their final Group A match in Rawalpindi on February 27. Meanwhile, India will take on New Zealand in Dubai on March 2.

The Best Team in the Tournament Have That Advantage - Nasser Hussain

In a conversation with Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports Podcast, Michael Atherton asked whether India have an undeniable advantage by playing all their matches in Dubai.

Nasser Hussain stated that India have a clear advantage in the Champions Trophy. He said that India plays at one venue and are familiar with the pitch conditions. Hussain also praised India’s selection strategy, adding that they were smart in picking a spin-heavy squad for Dubai conditions.

“No, it is an advantage. So the best team have in the tournament have that advantage. I saw a tweet the other day saying, Pakistan, home host nation, India, home advantage. And that sort of sums it up. Really, they’re in one place. They’re in one hotel. There is no travel. They’re in one dressing room. They know the pitch. They’ve picked for that pitch," Nasser Hussain said.

"I think selection, when they selected, they were very smart. They probably knew what Dubai was going to be like. They picked all their spinners. There was a bit of debate even, but from India media saying, Why haven’t you gone for the extra? Seems like, why all these spinners? Well, we’ve seen what, why, and also other sides," he added.

Nas and Athers discuss India's advantage of playing all of their ICC Champions Trophy matches in Dubai 💬 pic.twitter.com/ZUTJUfAuC0

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 24, 2025

England at Third Spot in Group B of 2025 Champions Trophy Points Table

England are third in Group B of the 2025 Champions Trophy points table with zero points and a net run rate of -0.475. Australia moved to second place after a thrilling win over England on Saturday. They ended their long winless run in the tournament by successfully chasing a 352-run target in Lahore.

With this victory, Australia secured two points and a net run rate of +0.475 from their opening match. South Africa remains at the top of Group B with two points and an impressive net run rate of +2.140. Afghanistan are at the bottom of the table, also without points, with a net run rate of -2.140.

Also read: Abrar Ahmed breaks silence on 'arrogant' send-off to Shubman Gill, clashes with Indian journalist