Proteas speedster Lungi Ngidi takes a wonder catch in the Champions Trophy Group B match against England.
Image: Asif Hassan / AFP
While the Proteas officially qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy midway through their match with England in Karachi, they now face a logistical nightmare ahead of the knockout stage.
The Proteas progressed from Group B after dismissing England for 179 in 38.2 overs to secure their spot in the final four alongside Australia. The Proteas, who will top the group if they get over the line against the English, will have to wait for the result of Sunday’s match between New Zealand and India to see who they will face in the semis.
The Group A decider between India and New Zealand will determine the log standings, with the winner finishing the group stage on top. They will then face the team who finishes second in Group B.
But here is where the problems start …
One of the semi-finals will be played in Dubai to accommodate India, who are playing all their matches in the United Arab Emirates because of their diplomatic beef with Pakistan.
But, because of time and flight constraints, both the Proteas and Australia will have to fly to Dubai in case one of them ends up in a semi against India on Tuesday. However, the team that ends up facing New Zealand will have to return to Pakistan for their semi-final on Wednesday.
Australia have already traveled to Dubai, while the Proteas will only leave on Sunday.
Traveling will be a nightmare for the Proteas if they have come back to Pakistan on Monday, which means they will have only one day of proper preparation for the semi-final.
Essentially, India will compete in Dubai regardless of their group standing, leaving the teams from Group B waiting to learn where they will contest their semi-final showdowns.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) worked diligently for several months to persuade India to participate in matches within Pakistan's borders, at one point suggesting that all of their fixtures be played in Lahore.
Unfortunately, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asserted that governmental permission has not been granted for Indian players to visit Lahore, a decision reflective of the ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
Meanwhile, the odds are stacked against the Proteas, Australia and even New Zealand, who must also return to Pakistan from Dubai for their semi-final. If India win their semi, the winner of the other knockout match will then again get onto a plane to fly to Dubai for the showpiece match.
India get their way at the expense of others … again.
@JohnGoliath82