India might not have to deal with slow, deteriorating pitches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during their league-stage matches in the Champions Trophy. According to reports, in a move that could significantly impact match conditions, two relatively new pitches have been reserved specifically for India’s games in the marquee tournament.
The Indian cricket team will play on two newly prepared pitches in Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These pitches have been reserved specifically for the tournament, providing a break from the slow and worn-out tracks usually seen towards the end of the season. The team’s league matches will be played against Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand at the Dubai Stadium.
India’s campaign in the Champions Trophy will begin against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23, and then the group stage finale against New Zealand on March 2. All three matches are scheduled to take place in Dubai, a venue that has seen a lot of cricketing activity over the past month.
Since hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup last year, Dubai has hosted several high-profile tournaments, including the men’s Under-19 Asia Cup and the Emirates Cricket Board’s flagship event, the ILT20 League, in January-February.
During the ILT20, the venue hosted 15 matches, including two crucial knockout games. However, it has now been reported that two of the stadium’s ten pitches were deliberately kept vacant during the league to ensure they remain in top condition for the Champions Trophy.
“The DICS has 10 match strips. During the league stage, specific instructions were given that both of them will not be used anymore and they need to be kept fresh for the Champions Trophy,” a source aware of the matter told a reputed news agency.
“However, whether either of them were used for the play-offs is not known. The idea is to ensure that after excessive use it does not become thin and slow and the match does not become a drag. Fresh pitches will be helpful for both batsmen and bowlers alike.”
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What changes can be expected from the pitch?
Dubai pitch has often been a pacer-friendly surface, with the fast bowlers getting movement and bounce. However, with a fresh pitch in play, spinners – especially those who operate at a brisk pace – could emerge as game-changers. The conditions are expected to offer a fair balance between bat and ball, ensuring competitive encounters rather than dull contests due to worn surfaces.
India have picked five spinners for the tournament, with Varun Chakravarthy replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal in the 15-man squad last week. Chakravarthy made his ODI debut during the series against England earlier this month; the other four spinners are Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.