Islamabad: Australia and South Africa, the two semi-finalists from Group B in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, will train at the ICC Academy in Dubai before their respective semi-final encounters, regardless of their match venues.
The first semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday (March 4) in Dubai, while the second will take place the following day in Lahore.
This decision was made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to the current situation in Group A, where the final standings will only be determined once the ongoing match between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DIC) concludes.
“This means we will not know which team (B1 or B2) will need to travel to Dubai until the conclusion of the New Zealand v India match on March 2,” an ICC internal communication to teams said.
“As a result, to provide equity and as much preparation as possible for all teams. Both teams progressing through to the semifinals from Group B will travel to Dubai the day after their last group match in Pakistan,” the ICC note said.
The reshuffle was required due to the pre-tournament hybrid arrangement, which allows the Indian team to play their semifinal, and potentially the final, in Dubai, should they qualify.
Under this arrangement, Australia, which finished second in their group in Lahore on Friday (February 28), has already arrived in Dubai.
Training at the ICC Academy in Dubai
The Steve Smith-led team flew in via a chartered flight around noon on Saturday (March 1). They will play the winner of the India-New Zealand match and have been allotted practice time at the ICC Academy on Sunday (March 2).
South Africa, who topped Group B after defeating England in Karachi on Saturday (March 1), are expected to arrive in Dubai shortly.
They will have their practice session at the ICC Academy on Monday (March 3). Both teams are staying at the Meydan Hotel in Dubai.
“The team from group B that is then confirmed to participate in the semifinal in Dubai will be provided a training session on Monday (March 3) with the opportunity to train at DICS,” the ICC note said.
India will play their semifinal on Tuesday (March 4) but are unlikely to train on Monday.
“The team from group B that is confirmed to participate in the Lahore semifinal will travel from Dubai to Lahore on Monday (March 3) by EK622 departing Dubai at 21:50,” the note further said.
In New Zealand, too, are expected to accompany the side on the flight.
Both teams playing in the Lahore semi-final will be given a training session on Tuesday (March 4) at Gaddafi Stadium in the city.
