Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, has shared his insights on how the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February-March next year, could be organized.
He dismissed the notion of the tournament being held solely in Pakistan without India’s involvement. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet finalized the schedule due to ongoing disagreements between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The BCCI has made it clear that India will not travel to Pakistan for the event, citing security issues. In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra outlined three potential outcomes for the Champions Trophy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that each decision carries consequences.
He mentioned, “There are essentially three options: either Pakistan hosts the tournament entirely at home without India, they opt for a hybrid model, or they decide to forgo the tournament altogether.
Every decision has repercussions.” Reports indicate that Pakistan has agreed to a hybrid model where matches involving India would occur in Dubai. However, Pakistan has stipulated that all future ICC events held in India should adhere to this same arrangement, seeking neutral venues for matches against India until at least 2031.
Chopra underscored that the financial viability of the Champions Trophy 2025 depends significantly on India’s involvement.
He stated, “If Pakistan insists on holding the whole tournament in their country without India, the financial implications will be severe. With ₹600 crore for the hosting rights at stake, if India doesn’t participate, it raises questions about the tournament’s profitability.”
He further added, “Disney Star’s $3.12 billion investment includes a clause that makes India’s participation essential. The revenue could be massive if India is involved, but would dwindle significantly without them.
Therefore, it’s simply not feasible to hold the Champions Trophy without India.” The last time the Indian men’s cricket team played in Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka.
Their most recent bilateral series in Pakistan happened in the 2005-06 season, while the last bilateral encounters took place in India in 2012-13.
India and Pakistan frequently compete in Asia Cups and ICC events, with their latest match occurring at the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, where India triumphed by a narrow six runs.
