Cricket fans in Pakistan are disappointed after the final of the ICC Champions Trophy was moved out of Pakistan following India’s qualification into the finals.
India registered a convincing four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final played in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025. India has qualified for the final of the ICC Champions Trophy for the third consecutive time.
Lahore will host the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The second semi-final will be played between South Africa and New Zealand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. The winner of this match will meet India in the final of the tournament in Abu Dhabi.
Fans are upset as Pakistan could not host the complete ICC Champions Trophy on its home soil, with the crucial final match being moved out of Pakistan.
Pakistan Cricket Board had agreed for a hybrid model after the Indian Government had refused to send its team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, citing security concerns.
Fans are calling it an injustice to Pakistan as they eagerly wanted the country to host the final leg of the tournament on its home soil. A lot of cricket fans are convinced that by playing in UAE, India capitalized on its advantage of being familiar with the conditions and pitches, an advantage other teams lack. Stationed in UAE since the start of the tournament, India will be playing its fifth consecutive match.
Others asked who is hosting the tournament if the final is not played at the home soil. Reacting to the news, one cricket fan said, “Should have taken the whole tournament to India then. An absolute joke.”
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“Champions Trophy hosted by India in Dubai,” wrote another cricket fan on X.
“Must be the only international sport in the world where the venue of the final is decided depending on the preferences of 1 team,” said a cricket fan from Sri Lanka.