‘Fans…want the team to play but…’: Rajeev Shukla’s judgement on India vs Pakistan bilateral matches
Shukla says fans want IND v PAK bilateral series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla is currently in Pakistan, and recently witnessed the second semifinal clash of the ICC Champions Trophy between South Africa and New Zealand. The ICC agreed to hold this event in a hybrid format since the Indian government denied sending he Men in Blue to Pakistan due to safety concerns.
Both India and Pakistan have a long rivalry, but the bilateral series between the two has been banned as per the happenings in the border. Rajeev Shukla believes that the India vs Pakistan cricket series is subject to the clearance by Indian government. Rajeev stated that the fans from both the countries wish for the bilateral series to be continued. However, there was not much affirmation when speaking on neutral venues.
“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 was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
“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 the government’s consent.”
“Every other country would offer to host India-Pakistan, who would not?” he 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.
India is going to be the host of the upcoming Asia Cup, which is going to take place later this year. Now as the BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had a deal before the Champions Trophy, the matches featuring Pakistan team will be held at a neutral venue.
“I had come here for the Asia Cup as well. Roger Binny was also there and Jay Shah has also been cooperating completely,” said Shukla when asked about what he would take back from Pakistan as a BCCI official.
Coming to the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, India and New Zealand have qualified for the final match, and will face each other to lift the title on March 9 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.