"Only 3 options are there" - Aakash Chopra on the possible ways of conducting Champions Trophy 2025
Aakash Chopra reckons 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 India's participation.
Pakistan have reportedly agreed to host next year's Champions Trophy in the hybrid model, with India's matches being played in Dubai. However, they have also put forth a condition that all the upcoming ICC (International Cricket Council) events with India as hosts should be played in the same model.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra,' the cricketer-turned-commentator reflected on the possible options for the Champions Trophy 2025.
"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," he elaborated.
However, Chopra opined that the tournament cannot be played without India.
"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," Chopra added.
Aakash Chopra observed that an ICC event happening without India will have a cascading effect. He pointed out that apart from Pakistan, all other nations, especially the second-tier teams, will be adversely impacted as their cricket functions only because of the money they get from the global cricket governing body.
"It's not ideal but I don't think there is any other solution available" - Aakash Chopra on the hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025
![The 2023 Asia Cup was played in the hybrid model. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/e523f-17338901006728-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same video, Aakash Chopra claimed that the hybrid model is the only solution for the Champions Trophy 2025 if Pakistan want to retain the hosting rights.
"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," he said.
"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 former India opener noted that the third option of Pakistan relinquishing the hosting rights will have severe repercussions for them.
"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," Chopra observed.
Aakash Chopra pointed out that Pakistan will also not get the hosting fee from the ICC and will be hit hard financially as they would have already taken loans to host the tournament. He added that Pakistan will be at a loss, as their cricket economy is not robust, especially with their grassroots game getting impacted.