Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has openly acknowledged that playing all of their Champions Trophy matches at a single venue in Dubai has given India a clear advantage.
Shami delivered impressive figures of 3-48 in India’s semi-final victory over Australia on Tuesday in Dubai, helping his team secure a spot in the final.
Following the match, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir criticised those who argued that India’s consistent use of the same venue provided an unfair benefit.
India opted against travelling to Pakistan, the official hosts of the tournament, due to ongoing political tensions. As a result, they have played all their games at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, winning all four. India will meet either South Africa or New Zealand in the final, which will also be held in Dubai.
In contrast, the other seven participating teams have had to move between three cities in Pakistan and the UAE.
“Knowing the conditions and pitch behaviour has certainly worked in our favour,” Shami admitted after his match-winning performance against Australia. “Playing all our games at one ground is definitely a plus.”
As part of the tournament’s hybrid model, South Africa had to fly to Dubai, only to head back to Pakistan within 24 hours without playing a single match.
India boasts an impressive record in Dubai, winning nine of the 10 ODIs they have played at the venue.
Shami, who is 34, has been in excellent form, starting the tournament with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh and consistently bowling with both pace and precision.
When asked about reverse swing, Shami urged cricket authorities to reconsider the ban on using saliva to shine the ball in ODIs. The International Cricket Council permanently prohibited the use of saliva in 2022, after introducing the restriction during the Covid pandemic.
“We are trying to get reverse swing, but it’s harder without saliva,” Shami said. “We are continuously requesting that saliva be allowed again, as it would make reverse swing more effective and add excitement to the game.”
Saliva helps shine one side of the ball while keeping the other side rough, allowing for late swing — a critical tool for fast bowlers in the final overs. Currently, players are only allowed to use sweat.
Shami briefly left the field during India’s match against Pakistan but has since proven his fitness by bowling his full quota of 10 overs in consecutive games, including the semi-final against Australia.
“I’m working on regaining full rhythm and want to contribute as much as possible,” said Shami. “I’m ready to bowl long spells whenever needed.”
Coach Gambhir praised Shami’s performance, calling him a “world-class player” and lauding his work ethic, preparation, and dedication, which Gambhir said directly translate into his on-field success.
