Former Indian cricketer casts doubt on team's participation in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy 2025

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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has cast significant doubt over India's participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-Match. 

Chopra's comments, made during a podcast on Raj Shamani's YouTube channel, reflect the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the event's logistics and India's potential involvement.

The former cricketer expressed skepticism about the likelihood of India traveling to Pakistan for the tournament. He suggested that the probability is currently very low and hinted at the possibility of the tournament adopting a hybrid model similar to last year's Asia Cup.

"Let's be honest. The chances (for India to go for the Champions Trophy 2025) are too low. It can happen in Pakistan (on asked if Champions Trophy will happen in Pakistan or not) because the cricket has returned to Pakistan. There was the Asia Cup as well. It was the hybrid model. We were playing in Sri Lanka. Pakistan played its matches there barring the game against India," Chopra said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has repeatedly stated that India's participation in the Champions Trophy will be contingent on the approval of the Indian government. This condition underscores the complexities involved in international cricket diplomacy, particularly when geopolitical tensions come into play.

The 46-year-old emphasized that while cricket has resumed in Pakistan with recent events such as the Asia Cup being played in a hybrid model, the same might be a plausible solution for the Champions Trophy. 

"England, New Zealand, and Australia went there. so, the teams are going but I doubt that we will go there. Eventually, the nod has to come from the government. It's not even in the hands of BCCI, so they can't decide. So, the chances of getting the nod from the government aren't too bright. In a month or two, news comes from Kashmir that it is not right," he said.

"India can play their games in Dubai (if India refuses to travel). It depends upon the timing whether it's Dubai or Sri Lanka. But India might not go actually," he added.

Chopra further elaborated that the final decision on India's participation would be influenced by the Indian government's stance. He mentioned that recent news from Kashmir could also impact the decision.

He also highlighted the economic implications of India's potential absence from the tournament. He argued that India's presence is crucial for the financial viability of the event, given the significant revenue generated from Indian broadcasters. 

"It will be already decided before the tournament. If Pakistan reaches the final, maybe they will want to do it in Pakistan because they are the host nation. But if Pakistan and India reach the final, hypothetically, India isn't likely to travel," he said.

"One thing that is not lost on anyone is that India's presence is driving the (cricket) economy. Some people even say that India should not come if they don't want to come. What will you do with the tournament if India doesn't participate? How will you generate the money," he concluded.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been proactive in preparing for the event, including upgrading stadiums across three venues—Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi—to meet the standards required for hosting an ICC tournament.

With the Champions Trophy set to be hosted in February-March 2025, the situation remains fluid. The ICC will need to navigate the complexities of this issue, balancing the interests of both the BCCI and PCB while ensuring the tournament's success. The absence of India could have considerable ramifications for the tournament's financial and logistical aspects.