While the English trio of Nasser Hussain, Mike Atherton, and David Lloyd received significant criticism regarding the perceived advantage India had by playing all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, it was actually Pat Cummins of Australia who initiated the conversation. His remarks were made during India's group-stage matches last month. In contrast, his teammate Mitchell Starc dismissed this notion, providing an alternative viewpoint on the matter.

Cummins, echoing the sentiments of the former English cricketers, asserted that India "received that clear benefit of playing all their games there (Dubai)." Australian media supported the captain, who was unfortunately sidelined from the tournament due to injury, suggesting that there would always be an "asterisk" next to India's Champions Trophy victory.

Nevertheless, Starc countered this narrative by highlighting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibits Indian players from participating in overseas leagues, while cricketers from other nations have the freedom to compete in various leagues, thus gaining familiarity with different playing conditions.

"I don't believe it is an advantage in the strictest sense because, as cricketers, we have the opportunity to play in numerous franchises around the world, whereas Indian players are limited to the IPL. Therefore, it is not fair to claim that they have an edge, considering that players from other countries participate in five to six different franchise leagues annually, which provides them with ample exposure to white-ball cricket," Starc stated on Fanatics TV.

'Australian fans will say no...'

Starc, who also missed the Champions Trophy, expressed that he was not taken aback by the Rohit Sharma-led team's triumph, having completed an undefeated journey to the title. However, when questioned about whether they are the greatest white-ball team in history, he noted that they have yet to secure an ODI World Cup victory.

"I wasn't surprised by India's win. To be honest, I didn't watch a single ball. I'm not certain I followed much of the Champions Trophy at all, just snippets of the Australian matches. I played alongside Chakaravarthy with KKR last season; he is an exceptional talent and a fascinating bowler. As for whether they are the best white-ball team ever? Indian fans would likely affirm that, while Australian fans would probably disagree," Starc remarked.

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