The ICC is facing huge criticism over the scheduling of the Champions Trophy 2025 with Sir Vivian Richards demanding answers for the chaotic travel logistics for the semifinalists. The scheduling issues came to surface when both Australia and South Africa were trapped in travelling confusion and were forced to travel to Dubai to determine their semifinal opponents, exposing a major flaw in the tournament’s planning.
The confusion arose because all of India’s matches were played in Dubai and their final group stage match against New Zealand decided the final Champions Trophy semifinal clash. Depending on the outcome of India vs New Zealand, one of these teams would face India in the semifinals, while the other, along with New Zealand, would have to return to Pakistan for their knockout clash.
The former West indies captain, Sir Vivian Richards strongly criticised ICC and questioned the mismanagement in handling such a major tournament.
“People may have a point when they say that. I guess that’s due to politics — I don’t want to get into the politic side of things,” Richards, who is a member of the Governing Council for the International Masters League, told reporters during a select media interaction.
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“But I believe the people who are responsible, in terms of the governing and the ruling of the game in itself which is the ICC, they’re the ones who I think got the problem. I would like them to come up with an answer, why? If they are the governing body of cricket, why is that happening at present? I honestly believe one of the things that can bring all of us together, fans and everyone, even enemies together, (is) sports.”
