BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla reaffirmed that any decision regarding the resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan is entirely dependent on the Indian government’s approval. Speaking in Lahore, where he was invited by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to witness the Champions Trophy semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa, Shukla emphasized that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will adhere strictly to the government’s directives. “It is very clear that the Indian government decides on this matter, and we will follow whatever they decide,” Shukla stated.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s successful hosting of an international tournament after a long hiatus, Shukla praised the event’s organization. However, he was not in favor of playing bilateral series at neutral venues. “While fans from both nations want these matches, the BCCI policy has always been that such games should take place in either country and not at a third or neutral venue,” he clarified. He further noted that the International Cricket Council (ICC) also recognizes the need for government approval in such cases, making it a crucial factor in any potential India-Pakistan series.
India’s Team Performance Unaffected by Pitches
Shukla dismissed the notion that the Indian team had an unfair advantage by playing in Dubai throughout the Champions Trophy. He explained that the ICC had decided in advance that India-centric matches would be held in Dubai, while the rest would take place in Pakistan. “The Indian team doesn’t rely on pitches; our players perform based on their skills and strengths. Even in Dubai, there are different kinds of pitches, but that doesn’t affect our team’s performance,” he asserted.
Shukla also pointed out that had Australia won their semifinal, the final would have been held in Lahore instead of Dubai. However, since Australia lost, the final venue remained unchanged. His remarks emphasized that tournament scheduling is a structured process and not dictated by favoritism.
Asia Cup Scheduling and BCCI’s Stance
Regarding the scheduling of the Asia Cup, Shukla maintained that the situation remains unchanged. He recalled his previous visit to Pakistan for the Asia Cup and mentioned the involvement of key BCCI officials like Roger Binny and Jay Shah in ensuring smooth cooperation. While he refrained from making any specific announcements, Shukla’s statements indicated that BCCI continues to operate within the existing framework set by the ICC and government policies.
Shukla’s comments reiterated BCCI’s firm stance on India-Pakistan cricket ties, stressing that government directives take precedence over public or board opinions. His statements reflect the long-standing geopolitical complexities that influence cricketing relations between the two nations.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
