UAE Board Addresses ‘Slow Tracks’ Criticism for CT 2025, Prepped Pitches During ILT20

UAE Board Addresses Concerns Over Slow Dubai Pitches, Highlights Readiness for Global Events

The Champions Trophy matches have been greatly impacted by the slow pitches at Dubai International Stadium, which have resulted in low-scoring games that are dominated by spin. Subhan Ahmed, the COO of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), defended the pitch conditions, pointing out that their workload was meticulously planned ahead of the ICC event.

Strategic Management and the Preparation of Pitch
Ahmed highlighted that after Dubai was approved as the Champions Trophy host, preparations started long in advance, even during the ILT20 event. After being used for ILT20, the pitches received enough rest to guarantee they were in top shape for the ICC competition.

“The moment we learned that we are going to be the host (of the CT), we started preparing the pitches even during the ILT20 tournament for these matches. We complied with all the ICC requirements,” Ahmed said during a media interaction.

Despite some concerns over the playing surfaces favoring bowlers, especially spinners in the middle overs, Ahmed reassured that the pitches were well-maintained and had performed as expected. “So far, the pitches have played out really well,” he added, dismissing fears that they had negatively impacted the quality of cricket.

Dubai as a Cricketing Hub & Speculation Over Asia Cup

Dubai was chosen as a partial host for the Champions Trophy under the ICC’s hybrid model, reinforcing its status as a key cricketing venue. Ahmed further emphasized that Dubai remains prepared to host any major event at short notice, given its proven track record in handling high-profile tournaments.

He pointed out that while there is speculation about the Asia Cup being hosted in Dubai later this year, there has been no official confirmation yet. However, he reiterated that Dubai is always ready for such events, calling it a “plug-and-play” venue.

“If you look at the past five years, whether it is IPL, PSL, Asia Cup, or the World Cup, we have hosted events on very short notice.

He emphasized the city’s potential to effectively host elite competitions by saying, “We are always in a state of readiness.”

Issues with Crowd Turnout and Attendance
The Champions Trophy in Dubai has drawn fewer spectators than anticipated, which is one noteworthy feature. The degree of fan engagement at the matches in Dubai was not always as high as in the crowded stadiums found in subcontinental sites. Even the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash failed to achieve a full house.

Ahmed acknowledged this, explaining that while attendance picked up over time, logistical challenges for traveling fans might have contributed to the initial lower numbers.

“There was not a 100% crowd in India vs Bangladesh, but it was more than 60%. Some travel challenges in certain countries might have played a role,” he noted.

Despite this, he insisted that the later matches, including the India vs. Pakistan encounter, saw significant attendance, with ticket sales reflecting over 95% occupancy. “If some people could not turn up, we cannot say,” he added, implying that the numbers on paper were strong, even if the physical turnout varied.

While the Champions Trophy has highlighted some concerns over pitch conditions and crowd turnout in Dubai, the ECB remains confident in its venue’s capabilities. Dubai has a track record of successfully hosting important cricket matches at short notice, solidifying its reputation as a dependable location for international competitions. Its significance in international cricket is further highlighted by the rumors surrounding the Asia Cup, which, if true, would add another esteemed event to the city’s expanding resume.