Winning Indian team keeps ICC wheels turning

Even as they set the stage for the presentation ceremony, in one corner of the Dubai International Stadium turf, Rohit Sharma would stamp the winning stump.

- Rasesh Mandani

MUMBAI: The stadium sound system played Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar in the background which felt more like a metaphorical music overlay over the Indian captain's action.

There are those in the cricket community who have attached an asterisk to India's Champions Trophy triumph for an "undeniable advantage" they enjoyed by playing all matches at one venue.

Could the International Cricket Council (ICC) have had it any other way? Hosts Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) didn't have a level playing field in mind during their negotiations with the ICC. They were even okay if India agreed to play all their matches in Lahore, on the most batting-friendly pitches of the tournament. Some have suggested India should have been forced to play in varied conditions in UAE, Sharjah as well as Abu Dhabi.

"Dubai's preference was obviously with the consent of both the host and the ICC," Subhan Ahmed, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) COO, said. "In Dubai, it is plug and play. It is very easy. Not that other venues are not available. But the capacity here is such that it can cater to 25,000 people. Other venues do not have the capacity to host big matches."