Will Rain Affect Champions Trophy Final in Dubai?
Champions Trophy in Dubai: Will It Rain During India vs New Zealand Match?
The Champions Trophy final, scheduled for Sunday, March 9, in Dubai, is sure to be an impressive event. The two top teams, India and New Zealand, will battle it out for the iconic "White Jacket," awarded to each member of the winning team alongside the trophy. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host two full national teams in the final for the first time in three years, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the clash. However, one question remains on everyone's mind: will it rain on match day?
Weather Forecast: What To Expect on Sunday?
According to the National Meteorological Center (NCM), rainfall is expected in the United Arab Emirates in the coming days. The meteorological service's weekly report predicts partly cloudy or cloudy skies in some areas, along with precipitation. A slight drop in temperature is also anticipated. In Dubai, the maximum temperature could reach 35ºC, with a minimum of around 24ºC. Accu Weather reports a 64% cloud cover and wind gusts up to 46 km/h. The Weather Channel forecasts mostly cloudy weather for the day, with partial clearing expected in the evening.
What Happens If It Rains?
If dark clouds gather over the "Ring of Fire," as the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is also known, and it begins to rain, the organizers have prepared a reserve day. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules for the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy, a reserve day is allocated for the final. According to article 13.6.3, if the match cannot be completed on the scheduled day, it will continue on the reserve day. On the reserve day, the match would begin at 2 PM if necessary.
The rules further state that all efforts should be made to complete the match on the scheduled day, even by reducing the number of overs. The reserve day will only be utilized if the minimum number of overs cannot be played on the scheduled day. If the match starts but is interrupted by rain, it will resume on the reserve day from where it left off after the last ball.
According to article 16.10.4, if the final ends in a tie, the teams will decide the winner through a super over. However, if the super over cannot be played due to weather conditions, or if the match cannot be concluded even on the reserve day, the teams will be declared joint winners.
Tickets for the Final
Thousands of fans were left disappointed when tickets sold out in just 40 minutes on the official website. The tickets were then resold at over 1000% of their original price, making attendance unaffordable for many fans.
Rules and Restrictions at the Stadium
If you were lucky enough to secure a ticket, it is important to be aware of the stadium rules. The Dubai police have urged fans to adhere to the rules during the match. The Dubai event security committee announced that all security preparations for the final have been completed.
How to Get to the Stadium?
You can reach the stadium by car or taxi, but due to limited parking spaces, it is advisable to travel by bus, as there is currently no direct metro connection to the venue. From the Dubai Internet City bus station, the F34 bus takes about 20 minutes to reach the stadium, followed by a seven-minute walk to the venue. The F37 bus departs from the Mall of the Emirates bus station and takes roughly 35 minutes to reach the Arena Tower stop, from where it is a 20-minute walk to the stadium. The F37 bus operates from Sunday to Friday. You can check bus departure times on the RTA website.
Where to Watch the Match?
If you couldn't secure a ticket, you can watch the match on television on the CricLife Max and CricLife Max2 channels, or online via STARZPLAY. If you prefer to enjoy the game in company, many venues in Dubai offer large screen viewings of the match, so it's worth exploring the city.
The Champions Trophy final is sure to be an unforgettable experience, regardless of whether it rains or not. Fans hope the weather won't be an obstacle, allowing both teams to play truly impressive cricket for the trophy.
