ICC Champions Trophy: Pakistan given last 3 options

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra opened up about the possible ways of conducting the Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in February-March next year. Aakash Chopra rejected the idea of the upcoming ICC 50-over tournament being held solely in Pakistan without India's participation.

The International Cricket Council has yet to release the schedule for the Champions Trophy due to disagreements between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Notably, the BCCI has stated that India will not travel to Pakistan for the event, citing security concerns.

Every Action Has a Consequence - Aakash Chopra on Champions Trophy

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra spoke about potential scenarios for the Champions Trophy 2025. He said there are three possibilities and emphasized that every decision has consequences.

"In my opinion, only three options are there. Either Pakistan host it entirely at home without India, or be ready for the hybrid model, or else say they don't want to play this tournament at all. Every action has a consequence," Chopra said.

Pakistan has reportedly agreed to host the tournament in a hybrid model, with India's matches played in Dubai. However, Pakistan has set a condition that all future ICC events hosted by India should follow the same model. The PCB wants to play all matches against India at neutral venues until 2031.

India's Participation Is a Must - Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted that the Champions Trophy 2025 cannot be played entirely in Pakistan without India. Chopra stated that the tournament's financial success hinges on India's participation.

"Let's assume Pakistan say the entire tournament should happen in Pakistan only, that it can happen without India. Firstly, Pakistan are getting about ₹600 crore for the hosting rights. In such a scenario, if it happens in Pakistan only and India isn't a part of it, how will it affect the Champions Trophy?" he said.

"It's very simple. With the $3.12 billion that Disney Star invested to procure the rights, there is a clause that India's participation is a must. If India participates, the money is huge, but if they don't, it's tiny. The Champions Trophy happening without India is absolutely impossible," Chopra added.

When Did the Indian Men's Team Last Play in Pakistan?

The Indian men's cricket team last played in Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup, where they defeated Sri Lanka in the final. Their last bilateral series in Pakistan, featuring three Tests and five ODIs, was in 2005-06. The last bilateral series between the two teams occurred in India in 2012-13.

India and Pakistan have regularly faced each other in Asia Cups, ICC events, and other multi-nation tournaments. Their latest encounter was at the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, where India secured a narrow six-run victory.

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