With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 reaching its business end, the debate over India’s potential advantage in Dubai has become the talk of the town.

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is playing host to India's Champions Trophy matches as the BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns and uncordial political relations between the two countries.

As a result, the ICC adopted a hybrid model, allowing the Men in Blue to play all of their matches in Dubai.

The Rohit Sharma-led side dominated the group-stage, defeating Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand comprehensively. Amid the dominance, several former and current cricketers have pointed out that India are getting undue advantage by playing at just one venue.

India will now face Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday (March 4). Ahead of the knockout fixture, former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has suggested that this scheduling puts additional pressure on India.

"India are in the unique position that they've played every game at the same venue, there is no grass in the square, it is dry. It suits India and I just think all the pressure is on them," Haddin said on the Willow Talk podcast.

"They've got it set up, they're playing great cricket but it's a one-off shootout. Australia pride themselves on making sure they're tournament play is spot-on and this is one of those games. And I don't think there's any pressure on the Australians at all. They've (India) had it all their own way and I can see - I don't know whether it's an upset - but I can see Australia beating India in these conditions. And I hope so, especially for where the tournament's been."

The semi-final clash represents an opportunity for India to settle scores for their World Cup 2023 final defeat against Australia. However, Haddin believes India faces intense scrutiny if they fail to secure a victory.

"I think there's a lot of pressure on India, with the way they've played their cricket since (coach) Gautam Gambhir has taken over," he remarked.

"They probably haven't had the success or style of game that's really been that attractive for the last six months. So I think the pressure is right on India to make a final. And I think if they don't make the final, there will be a big reaction."