DUBAI: Australia and South Africa have been forced to travel to Dubai from Pakistan, the International Cricket Council confirmed Sunday, due to a tangled schedule at the Champions Trophy.
India and New Zealand play the final group match on Sunday in Dubai and the result of the game will decide the semifinal line-up.
Australia are in Dubai and will train in the afternoon, when South Africa are expected to fly in from Karachi where they hammered England to get top spot in Group B.
The winners of the India-New Zealand clash will play Australia, who finished second to South Africa in their group.
But irrespective of the placing and opponent, India will play the first semifinal in Dubai on March 4 after they refused to travel to hosts Pakistan for political reasons.
That will leave New Zealand and either Australia or South Africa, hours after landing in Dubai, to head back to Pakistan for the second semifinal scheduled on March 5 in Lahore.
Pundits and ex-cricketers had called out the one-venue “farce” at the 50-over tournament after India were allowed to play all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium.
The rest of the seven teams in the eight-nation competition had to shuttle between three Pakistan venues — Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore — and the United Arab Emirates.
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips said his team were not thinking about India staying at one venue for the course of the tournament.
“No, for us there’s no focus on anything like that,” he said on Saturday.
“We have a ‘no-excuses’ mindset.”
The final on March 9 will be in Dubai if India go the distance.
Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium will be the venue if India miss out.
Australia or South Africa will return to Pakistan from Dubai for semifinal
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Australia or South Africa will return to Pakistan from Dubai for semifinal
- Australia and South Africa have been forced to travel to Dubai from Pakistan, the International Cricket Council confirmed Sunday
Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Named ‘Best Event Spectacle’
- Award recognizes the F1 Promoter that has delivered the most impressive off-track event spectacle
- Saudi GP has quickly become one of Formula 1’s most spectacular night races, combining high-speed racing with a fully integrated program of fan engagement
JEDDAH: The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been named ‘Best Event Spectacle’ at the F1 Promoter Awards, which took place in London, UK yesterday.
The award recognizes the F1 Promoter that has delivered the most impressive off-track event spectacle, including entertainment, concerts, and fan activations that enhance the race weekend experience alongside on-track action.
Staged at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the world’s fastest street circuit, the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has quickly become one of Formula 1’s most spectacular night races, combining high-speed racing with a fully integrated program of fan engagement, live entertainment, and immersive activations for audiences of all ages.
Since its debut in December 2021, the event has become as famous for its off-track entertainment as for its adrenaline-fueled racing. Past Grands Prix have featured global superstars including Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Travis Scott, Swedish House Mafia, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, and Usher performing on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Main Stage after racing concluded.
In 2026, fans can expect another world-class entertainment lineup, further cementing Jeddah’s position as a leading destination for sport and entertainment.
HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), was thrilled with the nomination: “This award is the result of years of dedication, collaboration, and vision from everyone involved in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — from our teams on the ground to the fans who bring the event to life each year.”
He added: ” Beyond the incredible on-track action, our goal has always been to create a welcoming and immersive race weekend that offers something for everyone by delivering the very best in live entertainment, interactive fan zones and an unrivalled atmosphere that makes Jeddah a truly unique F1 fan destination. We are grateful to Formula 1 for its ongoing partnership and support, which has allowed us to continually raise the bar for what a Grand Prix can be.”
2026: New Cars, New Teams, New Champion
With five thrilling races to its name, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most exciting events on the Formula 1 calendar.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit remains the longest and fastest street circuit in the sport, with drivers averaging 252 km/h and spending 79 percent of each lap at full throttle.
The 2026 season promises a landmark year: featuring all-new cars designed for closer, more unpredictable racing, the addition of Cadillac as an 11th team, and Audi’s long-awaited debut.
Jeddah will also welcome a new reigning World Champion, with McLaren’s Lando Norris defending his title against four-time champion Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri.
F1 Academy will also return, showcasing the next generation of female racing talent, while fans can once again look forward to a world-class live music program, with major acts to be announced soon.
