Australia, South Africa to Train in Dubai Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinals

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals just around the corner, teams are gearing up for the knockout battles. Australia and South Africa, the two Group B qualifiers, will train in Dubai at the ICC Academy before their respective semifinal clashes. Regardless of their final match venues, both teams will be utilizing the state-of-the-art facilities in Dubai to fine-tune their preparations.

The first semifinal is scheduled for March 4 in Dubai, while the second semifinal will take place on March 5 in Lahore. However, with the India vs. New Zealand match still determining Group A’s final standings, the ICC has opted to have both Group B teams travel to Dubai for practice before their semifinal fixtures.

ICC’s Decision to Ensure Fair Play

The International Cricket Council (ICC) made this call to provide equal training opportunities for both teams, considering that India has been allowed to play its semifinal and the final (if they qualify) in Dubai as part of the hybrid model for this tournament.

An ICC internal communication explained the reasoning behind this move:

“This means we will not know which team (B1 or B2) will need to travel to Dubai until the conclusion of the New Zealand vs. India match on March 2. 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.”

This strategic decision ensures that no team faces a disadvantage in preparation due to uncertainty in travel plans.

Australia’s Arrival in Dubai

The Steve Smith-led Australian squad, which finished second in Group B, arrived in Dubai on March 1 via a chartered flight. The team has already begun training at the ICC Academy on March 2 in preparation for their upcoming semifinal match.

Australia will face the winner of the India vs. New Zealand clash, making their training session crucial as they gear up for what promises to be a high-voltage encounter.

South Africa’s Training Schedule

The top-ranked team from Group B, South Africa, secured their place in the semifinals after a commanding victory over England on March 1. The Proteas are expected to arrive in Dubai shortly and will hold their training session on March 3 at the ICC Academy.

South Africa will play in Lahore on March 5, and will travel from Dubai to Lahore on March 3 via Emirates flight EK622, scheduled to depart at 9:50 PM local time. New Zealand is also expected to be on the same flight if they finish second in Group A.

Training and Matchday Schedules for Semifinals

Dubai Semifinal (March 4)

India vs. Australia or South Africa

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Training: March 3 at DICS (for the Group B team playing in Dubai)

Lahore Semifinal (March 5)

New Zealand vs. Australia or South Africa

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Training: March 4 at Gaddafi Stadium

Both teams playing in Lahore will have a final training session on March 4 before their knockout clash.

India’s Unlikely Training Session Before Semifinal

Team India, who have already qualified for the semifinals, are unlikely to hold a training session on March 3. The Rohit Sharma-led squad has been playing all their games in Dubai, and they might opt for rest and recovery before their semifinal showdown on March 4.

With Australia and South Africa settling into Dubai for practice, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals promise to be thrilling encounters. As teams prepare for their most crucial matches yet, all eyes will be on Dubai and Lahore to see who advances to the grand finale.

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