NEW DELHI: Former opener Aakash Chopra is certain that there will be no Champions Trophy if the Indian team does not participate in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) marquee tournament scheduled for February-March next year in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday confirmed that it received an email from the International Cricket Council (ICC) about India’s unwillingness to travel to the neighbouring country.
Amid political tensions between the two nations, the Indian cricket board had earlier intimated to the apex body about India’s inability to travel to Pakistan, leaving the PCB with no option but to organise the tournament in the hybrid model.
But PCB chairman Moshin Naqvi ruled out the possibility of a hybrid event, and Chopra sees no tournament taking place if India isn’t accommodated.
“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.
“The last PCB board chief during the 2023 ODI World Cup had said ‘dushman mulk ja rahe hum’ (we are going in enemy’s territory). In future, if Pakistan decides not to play against India, there will be repercussions. India will also face repercussion if they do not visit Pakistan but the sanctions will be financial and how can 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 said on his YouTube channel.
India क्यूं Pakistan नहीं जाएंगे Champions Trophy के लिए? #SAvsIND | #AakashVani
The former India opener said that what Pakistan is doing at the moment is just posturing as they have to appease their domestic audience but they themselves know what’s going to happen.
“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.
Pakistan visited India for last year’s ODI World Cup, and the PCB was expecting the gesture to be reciprocated for the Champions Trophy.
🔴 LIVE: India refuse to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy, want matches in Dubai | BTB Live
Pakistan was forced to stage last year’s Asia Cup using a hybrid model with India playing their matches, and the final, in Sri Lanka.
India and Pakistan have only faced off in ICC multi-nation events since their last bilateral series in the 2012-13 season.
