Aakash Chopra: India's Participation Crucial for Champions Trophy, Government's Decision to Avoid Travel to Pakistan is Justified
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Jaipur, Nov 28 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra stated that the Champions Trophy scheduled for next year in Pakistan cannot occur without India's participation in the tournament. He also endorsed the Indian government's decision not to dispatch the national cricket team to Pakistan, citing security and political strains between the neighboring countries.
Following India's refusal to travel to Pakistan, the future of the ICC Champions Trophy remains uncertain, with a final decision regarding its scheduling expected during the ICC Board meeting on Friday. Given India's objection to travel to Pakistan, the tournament might adopt a 'hybrid model', allowing India to play its matches at a neutral venue.
"The right choice should be made and it is beyond our understanding what would be the right call. India's travel to Pakistan is not decided by the BCCI but by the Indian government. If they have decided not to travel to Pakistan, then it is completely right. Wherever it (Champions Trophy) will be played, it can't happen without India," Chopra told IANS on Thursday.
"The truth is that an ICC event can't take place without India. We'll find out where it will be played, and the decision taken by the Indian government is absolutely correct," he added.
The Champions Trophy is slated to be hosted across three venues in Pakistan during February and March next year. However, India, which has not visited Pakistan since 2008, informed the ICC earlier this month that their government had not granted permission for them to travel to Pakistan for the event.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has asserted that the PCB's position on hosting the Champions Trophy remains "clear," adding that "it's not possible for Pakistan to play in India without India coming here."
"Our stance is very clear. I assure you we will do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I maintain constant communication with the ICC chairman, and my team is in regular contact with them. We firmly believe it is unacceptable for us to play cricket in India, while they do not play here. Whatever occurs will be based on equity. We've made our position clear to the ICC, and we'll inform you of the developments," Naqvi stated during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium.
"Whatever we do, we will ensure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved," Naqvi reiterated multiple times. "But I emphasize, and I am sure you understand my point, it is not feasible for Pakistan to play in India without reciprocal matches here," he added.
