The semi -final scheduling of the Champions Trophy in two separate countries means that both teams qualify with Group B – most likely Australia and South Africa – will travel to UAE on Saturdays.
An ICC official said the decision was taken to allow the party playing in the semi -finals on March 4, maximum time for the preparation of that competition. However, it guarantees that one side will find itself in the sub -form of leaving Pakistan for Dubai, only to return to Pakistan the next day. While the Lahore semi-final is a day later on March 5, the way this tournament has been determined, it means that a team will travel and train at a place that they do not need to stay for a day.
In the worthy scenario of Afghanistan instead of South Africa, they will also leave for Dubai as soon as possible.
The actual match-ups and places of the two semi-finals will be confirmed only after playing the game of India and New Zealand on Sunday after playing the game. India will play in Dubai regardless of their group’s position, which means that two teams of Group B will know that they play their semi -finals only after India plays New Zealand.
Such a scenario was unavoidable given India’s need to play their games outside Pakistan, despite being the only host of the country’s official tournament. The PCB spent several months, tried to go to Pakistan, proposing to India to visit India, hosting all its sports in Lahore at one stage. However, the BCCI said that the Government of India did not allow the team to play cricket in Lahore. There is significant political tension between the two countries.
Uncertainty about places will expand the rights as well as the right. If India wins in its semi -finals, the final will be in Dubai. However, whether they should lose the semi -finals, it will be at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
