Former cricketer-turned-analyst Aakash Chopra has recently raised doubts over the prospect of India visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.
Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.
Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.
Aakash Chopra, during an appearance in a podcast on Raj Shamani’s YouTube channel, opined that the chances of India visiting Pakistan are low considering the current political situation between the two countries.
“The chances [of India visiting Pakistan] are very slim, to be honest. While cricket is back in Pakistan and the Asia Cup was held there, the hybrid model worked before with matches in Sri Lanka,” Chopra said.
“Although teams like England, New Zealand, and Australia are visiting Pakistan, I doubt India will go. The final decision is not just in the hands of the BCCI but also involves the government’s policy.”
Chopra suggested the hybrid model as a viable solution, like last year’s ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. India stuck to their stance of not visiting Pakistan, resulting in Sri Lanka stepping in as the co-host.
“We might end up playing our matches outside, in places like Dubai or Sri Lanka. It’s all about timing. Personally, I don’t think India will travel to Pakistan,” he said.
Aakash Chopra further asserted that the situation will be tricky if Pakistan and India both reach the final.
“The venue for the final will be decided in advance. If Pakistan makes it to the final, they would naturally prefer to host it in Pakistan. However, if Pakistan and India reach the final, hypothetically, India isn’t likely to travel,” he said.
It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
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