Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra reckoned that the Champions Trophy cannot happen without India. His remarks come after BCCI conveyed its stance over the Indian team not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC event. The Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday, confirmed that they received an email from the ICC stating India’s unwillingness to travel to the neighbouring country. India Today has learnt that the PCB have forwarded the information to the government and are waiting for their advice. Looking at the financial implications of India’s non-participation, Aakash felt that the tournament might be scraped off altogether.
“Yes, this is an ICC event. Broadcasters have committed money for the event. But there is always a rider that if ICC cannot ensure India’s participation, then the broadcasters will not invest or there will be a financial re-evaluation. If India does not participate, the money falls drastically,” Aakash said on his YouTube channel, reflecting on the ongoing saga over the Champions Trophy.
“Pakistan do not have that kind of leverage”
“The last PCB board chief during the 2023 ODI World Cup said ‘dushman mulk ja rahe hum’ (we are going into the enemy’s territory). In the future, if Pakistan decides not to play against India, there will be repercussions. India will also face repercussions if they do not visit Pakistan, but the sanctions will be financial, and how can the ICC stop India’s money going to India? Pakistan do not have that kind of leverage. This is the hard reality. I feel it is absolutely certain that there will be no Champions Trophy without India. Every team, including Pakistan, understands this,” Chopra added.
Champions Trophy’s fate hangs in balance
The Champions Trophy, which returns after a break of 8 years, will host the top 8 teams on the international circuit. The right to host the tournament is with Pakistan in 2025 and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has stressed time and again that if India wants to play Pakistan, they have to travel to the rival nation.
With the ICC sending an official communication to the PCB, it needs to be seen what the board and the apex body decide on the scheduling. Pakistan, who had the rights to the 2023 Asia Cup, hosted the tournament in a hybrid model where India played their games in Sri Lanka.
Aakash said that in all likelihood, India’s matches could be played in the UAE.
“PCB knows the reality that if the Indian government has decided not to give permission to their team to travel to Pakistan, then the team cannot come and Champions Trophy without India won’t be possible. It is the reality. In all likelihood, India matches will be played in the UAE,” Chopra added.
