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Big Reveal! Dubai Pitch Curator Spills How The Pitch Will Behave In Champions Trophy

Soumyajit Dutta

Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch [Source: @Non_rights/X.com]Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch [Source: @Non_rights/X.com]

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With Team India set to play all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai, global anticipation has reached a fever pitch. Fans are prepping for the match, and excitedly counting down to skipper Rohit Sharma’s toss decisions. 

But amid the frenzy, the true enthusiasts are mining the internet to find out how will Dubai’s pitches behave ahead of the India vs Bangladesh game? In an exclusive interview with Times of India during the ILT20 season in January, Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch curator Matthew Sandery addressed the speculation head-on, assuring teams and fans of fair, competitive surfaces.

Pitch Curator Prioritizes Neutrality

Speaking to TOI, Sandery emphasized that no team, including India, has influenced pitch preparations and it will offer a competitive pitch with fair play.  

"No instructions (regarding the pitch). We're going to create the best surfaces for Dubai and the weather that obviously comes with the UAE. We're going to make the best wickets possible for the best teams when they come here." 

Sandery's focus remains on delivering pitches tailored to Dubai’s unique climate, not external demands. The Australian curator with extensive UAE experience said that the key to his pitch curating strategy is consistent bounce, a critical factor for high-scoring white-ball contests. 

"We are making sure our surface is consistent, and our bounce is consistent. We want players to feel confident they can hit through the ball because fours and sixes in white-ball cricket bring people to the stands."

The marquee India-Pakistan clash on February 23 has even the curator excited. The teams last met in Dubai during the 2022 Asia Cup, splitting wins in T20s. This time, the 50-over format adds fresh intrigue.

"The big clash between India and Pakistan, as an Australian curator, I'm very excited," Sandery admitted. 

Sandery opens up on the 'dew factor'

While Dubai’s evening dew often influences T20 matches, Sandery downplayed its role in ODIs, citing the stadium’s unique architecture. 

"Our roof structure provides a lot of shade... The sunlight plays a massive role as well. It’s up to the batter and the bowler to adapt." 

India’s high stakes campaign

India begins their title charge against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by the Pakistan blockbuster and a final group clash with New Zealand on March 2. With Sandery’s team prioritizing pitch reliability, Rohit Sharma’s men will hope to leverage Dubai’s conditions and their formidable ODI record.

As fans gear up for fireworks, Sandery’s promise of "consistent bounce" ensures the spotlight stays firmly on cricketing skill, not pitch politics, in this high-stakes tournament.