'Only three options are there': Aakash Chopra on the Champions Trophy 2025 impasse

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra discussed the logistical challenges surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy, focusing on the complexities of hosting the tournament given the current geopolitical climate. He outlined three potential scenarios for the tournament's organisation.
Chopra believes the tournament's success hinges on India's participation, which is intertwined with significant financial implications.

Pakistan, the official hosts, have reportedly agreed to a hybrid model for the 2024 Champions Trophy, with India's matches potentially held in Dubai. This proposal comes with a condition that future ICC events hosted by India adopt the same hybrid format.
"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.
Chopra explored the first scenario, where Pakistan hosts the tournament without India's involvement. He questioned the financial viability of this option, especially considering the substantial broadcasting rights deal with Disney Star, which is contingent on India's participation.
"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.

He highlighted the significant difference in revenue generated with and without India's presence, emphasising the financial dependence of the ICC and other participating nations on India's participation.
"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.

Chopra presented the hybrid model as the most feasible solution if Pakistan intend to host the tournament. This would involve some matches being played at a neutral venue like Dubai.
"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.
Chopra discussed the third possibility: Pakistan forfeiting the hosting rights if the entire tournament cannot be held within the country. He points out the potential repercussions of such a decision.
"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.
He elaborated on the financial implications for Pakistan, including potential sanctions, loss of hosting fees, and the burden of pre-tournament investments. He also mentioned the vulnerability of Pakistan's cricket economy, particularly its grassroots development, to such financial setbacks.