Former opener Aakash Chopra believes there will be no Champions Trophy if the Indian team decides against participating in the marquee ICC tournament, scheduled for February-March next year in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Sunday (November 10) that it received an email from the International Cricket Council (ICC) about India's reluctance to travel across the border.
Amid the hostile diplomatic ties between the two countries, the BCCI had earlier informed the ICC about India's inability to travel to Pakistan, leaving the PCB with no option but to adopt the 'Hybrid Model' for the Champions Trophy.
While PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently said they are not ready to entertain the idea of a hybrid event, 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.
The former cricketer-turned-commentator further stated that even PCB is aware of the reality and the Indian team will most probably play all its matches 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 remarked.
The cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have been fraught with political and security issues since the 2008 Mumbai attack.
While the arch-rivals last played a limited-overs series in 2012, their last meeting in Tests was way back in 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.
Notably, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year but India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under the 'Hybrid Model'.
