The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla is currently in Pakistan, he recently witnessed the semifinal 2 clash of the ICC Champions Trophy between South Africa and New Zealand. The mega event is taking place in a hybrid model since the government of India denied sending Rohit Sharma-led side to Pakistan citing the team's safety.
Both teams have a great history in cricketing rivalry, but the bilateral series between two Asian Giants has been banned because of border-tensions. Rajeev Shukla believes that the India vs Pakistan bilateral cricket series is subjected to the Indian government’s clearance.
Rajeev Shukla agrees that the fans from both countries want bilateral ties to be resumed. However, he did not sound positive about the idea of playing at a neutral venue.
“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 are the hosts of the upcoming Asia Cup, which will take place later this year in India, but as BCCI and PCB had a deal before the Champions Trophy. The matches featuring Pakistan will take place at a neutral venue.
When asked about the Asia Cup scheduling, he replied, “You know it is status quo, so it will happen accordingly.”
“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 back to Champions Trophy 2025, India will face New Zealand in the final which will take place on March 9 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
