Popular West Indies batter Vivian Richards has blamed the ICC (International Cricket Council) for the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 scheduling fiasco. Australia and South Africa traveled to the UAE without knowing whether their Champions Trophy semi-final would be held in Dubai or Lahore, as their opponent was to be determined by the outcome of the India-New Zealand match on Sunday.

“I believe the people who are responsible, in terms of the governing and the ruling of the game itself, which is the ICC, they’re the ones who I think have the problem. I would like them to come up with an answer – why? If they are the governing body of cricket, why is this happening? I honestly believe one of the things that can bring all of us together – fans and everyone, even enemies – is sports,” he reportedly told the media on Sunday.

This statement comes after India’s victory over New Zealand.

Although the teams had already qualified for the semi-finals, the match in Dubai was played to determine which team would face Australia and South Africa, respectively.

As India’s matches are not being played in the host country, Pakistan, all of their games have been held in Dubai.

With India securing a win over New Zealand, they have now advanced to the semi-finals to face Australia.

India vs Australia will take place on Tuesday in Dubai, while South Africa and New Zealand will travel back to Pakistan for their semi-final match.