Rajeev Shukla, BCCI vice-secretary, discusses future bilateral series with Pakistan, emphasizing that decisions rest with the Indian government. He rules out neutral venues, citing both boards’ commitment to home hosting. Shukla also addresses misconceptions about pitch advantages in Dubai, asserting that the Indian team performs well on various surfaces and lauds the PCB’s hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025.
Rajeev Shukla, vice-secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed positive views on potential bilateral series with Pakistan during a recent visit to the Gaddafi Stadium. He was invited by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to attend the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final. Shukla stated that any decision regarding such series is contingent on the Indian government’s approval.
While there is a demand from fans for matches between the two rivals, Shukla highlighted that the BCCI and PCB prefer hosting tournaments on home soil, eliminating the possibility of a neutral venue for future contests. He remarked, “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 home soil.”
On the topic of India’s Champions Trophy matches being played in Dubai, Shukla refuted claims regarding unfair advantages, stating that the ICC had made this scheduling decision well in advance. He emphasized that the Indian team’s performance is not reliant on pitches: “The Indian team is not dependent on the wickets, and even in Dubai, they play on different strips.”
Shukla also commended the PCB for effectively organizing the Champions Trophy 2025 and praised the significant renovations made to the Gaddafi Stadium, which were completed in just 117 days for the event.
Rajeev Shukla’s comments underscore the importance of policy in determining the future of Pakistan-India cricket series, with potential matches hinging on government approval. He emphasized the BCCI’s preference for home-ground tournaments over neutral venues and defended the Indian team’s capabilities regardless of pitch conditions. His acknowledgment of the PCB’s successful hosting of the Champions Trophy reflects a spirit of collaboration between the two boards.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
