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When asked about the possibility of a bilateral series between the two rivals occurring anytime soon, Shukla reaffirmed that the call was not BCCI’s to make.
Rajeev Shukla watches New Zealand-South Africa Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal in Lahore (X)
Can we witness an India-Pakistan bilateral series anytime soon? Well, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla says that it all depends on the orders of the Indian Government.
Shukla was present in Lahore on the invitation of the Pakistan Cricket Board to watch the Champions Trophy semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa.
When asked about the possibility of a bilateral series between the two rivals occurring anytime soon, Shukla reaffirmed that the call was not BCCI’s to make.
“As far as you are asking about (cricket) between the two countries, it is very categorical and clear that it is the (Indian) government’s decision. Whatever the government of India says, we will go as per them,” Shukla told the Pakistan media on Wednesday.
There’s been no mistaking the immense fan support behind the planning of a bilateral series between the two nations. But, Shukla remained doubtful about whether such a series taking place in a neutral venue would be preferred.
“It is true that fans from both the countries want the teams to play but the BCCI policy has been, and PCB would too have such a policy, that bilateral matches should be held on each other’s soil and not at a third (or) neutral venue,” he said.
“This has been BCCI’s consistent policy. There is also a provision in the ICC which is about the government’s consent. It is a big provision, so it happens according to the point of view of government’s consent.”
“Every other country would offer to host India-Pakistan, who would not?” the veteran administrator added.
“We (BCCI) keep our point in front of the government but they decide after their deliberations. When the government takes a decision, it is after considering a lot of aspects. It is their internal matter,” he continued.
Shukla also went on to refute the argument that the Indian team were presented any undue advantage by playing at only one venue in this edition of the Champions Trophy, highlighting that the Men in Blue earned their rightful place in the final with their performances.
“When this decision was taken at the ICC level, it was decided that India-centric matches will be in Dubai and the rest of the matches will be in Pakistan, so it is not a question of fair or unfair,” he said.
“The Indian team doesn’t depend on pitches, even there (in Dubai) there are different kinds of pitches. The team plays on its performances, the players play on their strengths and not depend on pitches,” Shukla added.
The quick-witted Shukla was asked if it would not have been better if the final had been held in Lahore, to which he responded: “For that, Australia should have won yesterday (Tuesday). But since they lost, the final would have to be played in Dubai.”
(with agency inputs)
