Cricket teams Australia and South Africa, both participants of Group B in the Champions Trophy, will conduct their training sessions at the ICC Academy in Dubai prior to their semifinal games. This decision stands regardless of whether their respective semifinal match will be held in Dubai.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) made this arrangement due to the uncertain outcome of Group A standings, which were dependent on the India versus New Zealand match played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DIC).
According to an internal ICC communication, the final team placements in Group A were not determined until the conclusion of the New Zealand versus India match. To ensure fairness and provide optimal preparation for all teams, the ICC decided that both semifinalist teams from Group B would travel to Dubai immediately after their last group match in Pakistan.
This adjustment was necessary because of a pre-arranged hybrid format that allowed the Indian team to play their semifinal, and potentially the final, in Dubai.
Following this plan, the Australian team, led by Steve Smith, arrived in Dubai after finishing their league matches in Lahore. They are scheduled to practice at the ICC Academy.
South Africa, having topped Group B after their victory against England in Karachi, are also expected to arrive in Dubai soon. They are slated to practice at the ICC Academy as well. Both teams will be accommodated at the Meydan Hotel during their stay in Dubai.
The ICC has stated that the Group B team playing in the Dubai semifinal will have a training session in Dubai, possibly at the DICS. India is scheduled to play their semifinal in Dubai but might not train beforehand.
The Group B team playing in the Lahore semifinal, along with the New Zealand team, will travel from Dubai to Lahore.
Both teams competing in the Lahore semifinal will have a training session at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
