India, March 12 -- Even as they set the stage for the presentation ceremony, in one corner of the Dubai International Stadium turf, Rohit Sharma would stamp the winning stump. The stadium sound system played 'Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar' in the background which felt more like a metaphorical music overlay over the Indian captain's action.

There are those in the cricket community who have attached an asterisk to India's Champions Trophy triumph for an 'undeniable advantage' they enjoyed by playing all their matches at one venue.

Could the International Cricket Council (ICC) have had it any other way? Hosts Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) didn't have a level playing field in mind during their negotiations with the ICC. They were even okay if India...