Rajeev Shukla of BCCI addressed the potential for a bilateral series with Pakistan, emphasizing the decision rests with the Indian government. He ruled out neutral venues, citing policies of both boards. Shukla dismissed claims of an unfair advantage for India in Dubai, underscoring that performance is not reliant on pitch conditions. He praised the PCB’s successful organization of the Champions Trophy 2025 and the renovations at Gaddafi Stadium.
Rajeev Shukla, the Vice-Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), recently spoke on the potential for a bilateral series between India and Pakistan during his visit to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Invited by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to attend the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Shukla discussed various matters regarding cricket between the two nations.
In response to inquiries about the bilateral series, Shukla emphasized that any decision lies ultimately with the Indian government. He explicitly stated that there would be no Pakistan-India series held at a neutral venue, underlining both boards’ commitment to hosting tournaments on home soil. According to Shukla, “It’s true that the fans want to see this contest, but as a matter of policy, the BCCI (and also the PCB) has always been particular about hosting a bilateral tournament on the home soil.”
Addressing concerns regarding the advantage of the Indian team playing all their matches in Dubai, Shukla dismissed these claims. He clarified that the decision to host matches in Dubai was made by the ICC, removing any insinuations of unfair advantages. “The Indian team is not dependent on the wickets and even in Dubai, they play on different strips,” he asserted, ensuring that the team performed to the best of its ability regardless of conditions.
Shukla also commended the PCB for its remarkable organization of the Champions Trophy 2025 and noted the significant upgrades made to the Gaddafi Stadium during a quick refurbishment period of just 117 days for the event. He praised the concerted efforts put forth for the mega event, showcasing the progress in Pakistan’s capability to host international cricket events.
In summary, BCCI Vice-Secretary Rajeev Shukla underscored that any bilateral series with Pakistan is contingent upon governmental approval. He reaffirmed both boards’ policies favoring home venues for tournaments and acknowledged the PCB’s successful hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025. Shukla also rejected notions of unfair advantage for the Indian team in regard to their matches in Dubai, reinforcing the importance of performance over conditions. He commended the impressive renovations at Gaddafi Stadium, highlighting Pakistan’s evolving capability in cricket infrastructure.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
