Veteran commentator Aakash Chopra said that there are only three possible ways of conducting the Champions Trophy 2025. However, he virtually ruled out the possibility of the tournament being played entirely in Pakistan without Team India’s participation. However, Pakistan have reportedly agreed to host next year’s Champions Trophy in the hybrid model as well, with India’s matches being played in Dubai. However, they have also have a condition that all the upcoming ICC (International Cricket Council) events with India as hosts should be played in the same model as well.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “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.”
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“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.”
In the same video, Aakash Chopra also added that the hybrid model is the only solution for the Champions Trophy 2025 if Pakistan want to retain the hosting rights as well.
“The second model is the hybrid model. If some matches are held in Dubai, $4.50 million have already been allocated separately. Pakistan will lose a little bit in terms of tourism. However, if India reaches the final, that becomes a tricky one. You will have to keep two venues ready. One is if India don’t reach the final, the final will be in Pakistan, but if India reach the final, it will be in Dubai, which leads to a slight logistical nightmare for the fans to travel also. It’s not ideal but I don’t think there is any other solution available. At this point in time, this is the best one,” Chopra added.
“The third is Pakistan say that they relinquish the hosting rights if the entire tournament is not held in Pakistan. That’s a possibility. However, if that happens, Pakistan will have to face sanctions,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
