The 2025 Champions Trophy , scheduled to be held in Pakistan , is facing uncertainty after India’s refusal to participate due to political tensions between the two nations. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received an email from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s decision.
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Former India cricketer believes there will be no Champions Trophy without the Indian team
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the matter, stating that if India opts out, the tournament will likely be canceled. Chopra explained that broadcasters have committed funds to the event, but their investment is contingent upon India’s participation. Without India, the financial backing would significantly decrease.
“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 Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Aakash Chopra also highlighted the power dynamic between India and Pakistan in international cricket. He mentioned that Pakistan’s previous PCB chief had referred to playing in India as “going into the enemy’s territory” during the 2023 ODI World Cup . Chopra emphasized that if Pakistan chooses not to play against India, there will be repercussions, but India’s financial influence in international cricket gives them more 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,” he added.
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Aakash Chopra believes that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy cannot proceed without India’s participation, and every team, including Pakistan, understands this reality. As the situation unfolds, the cricket world waits holding its breath to see how the ICC and PCB will address this challenge.
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