India Won CT 2025 Fair & Square: Mitchell Starc on One Venue Row
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy came to a close with India emerging victorious, defeating England in the final. However, the tournament was marred by controversy, with many questioning the decision to hold all the matches in Dubai. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who opted out of the tournament, has now weighed in on the debate, stating that India won the tournament “fair and square”.
The decision to host the entire tournament in Dubai has been criticized by many, with some arguing that it gave India an “undue advantage” due to the familiarity of the conditions and the fact that they have a large number of players based in the UAE. However, Starc believes that these concerns are unfounded, and that India’s victory was a testament to their superior skill and talent.
“They were the better team, they’re a bloody good cricket team and have been across all formats for a long time,” Starc said in an interview. “They played some great cricket throughout the tournament and deserved to win. They won it fair and square, and you can’t take that away from them.”
Starc’s comments are likely to spark debate, with some arguing that the lack of variety in venues and conditions throughout the tournament was unfair to other teams. However, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has defended the decision to hold the tournament in Dubai, citing the logistical benefits and the fact that it allowed them to prepare for the conditions more effectively.
“We were prepared for the conditions, we knew what to expect, and we adapted well,” Sharma said after the final. “The conditions were similar to what we face in the IPL, and it helped us to get a feel for the pitch and the ball.”
Starc, who has played a significant role in Australia’s success in international cricket, understands the importance of adapting to different conditions. However, he believes that India’s victory was not solely due to their familiarity with the conditions, but rather their ability to perform under pressure and make the most of their opportunities.
“India have been a top team for a long time, and they’ve got a lot of experience playing in big tournaments,” Starc said. “They’ve got a great squad, they’ve got a lot of talent, and they’re a very well-coached team. They deserved to win the tournament, and I think it’s unfair to take away from their achievement just because of where the tournament was held.”
The decision to host the Champions Trophy in Dubai has also raised questions about the future of the tournament. The ICC has announced plans to expand the tournament to 14 teams, with the first edition of the expanded tournament scheduled to take place in 2026. However, with many teams expressing concerns about the lack of variety in venues and conditions, it remains to be seen whether the tournament will be held in a single location or whether the ICC will opt for a more traditional format with multiple venues.
Regardless of the outcome, India’s victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy is a significant achievement, and one that is a testament to their talent and dedication. As Starc said, they won the tournament “fair and square”, and their victory is a reminder that, in the end, it is the team that performs best on the field that deserves to lift the trophy.
