BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla reiterated that India-Pakistan bilateral cricket depends on government approval. Speaking in Lahore during the Champions Trophy semifinal, he also stated that Team India doesn’t rely on favourable pitches to perform. “When it comes to cricket between the two countries, it’s very straightforward and clear that the decision rests with the Indian government. Our actions will align with the Indian government’s decision,” Shukla stated to the media in Pakistan on Wednesday.
“Pakistan is hosting an international tournament after quite a while, and it’s great to see how well they’ve organized it,” he remarked.
While Shukla acknowledged that fans from both countries are eager for the resumption of bilateral series, he ruled out the possibility of matches at a neutral venue.
“Yes, fans from both countries are eager for the teams to meet, but both the BCCI and PCB have consistently held the view that such matches should be played on home soil and not at a third-party location,” he said.
“This has always been the BCCI’s stance. There’s also an ICC regulation that involves government approval, which is a crucial factor. Countries would obviously want to host an India-Pakistan matches, but the decision rests with the government,” he continued.
“We present our perspective to the government, but the final call is made after considering various factors. It’s ultimately their decision.”
Shukla dismissed claims that India’s qualification for the Champions Trophy final, having played at a single venue, gave them an advantage.
“The ICC’s decision clearly stated that India’s matches would be held in Dubai, while the rest would take place in Pakistan. So, the issue of fairness doesn’t come into play here,” he clarified.
“The Indian team doesn’t rely on pitch conditions and even in Dubai, the tracks are different. The players rely on their strengths, not the pitch conditions,” Shukla explained.
When asked if the final should have been in Lahore, Shukla quipped, “If Australia had won yesterday, then yes. But since they lost, the final has to be in Dubai.”
Regarding the Asia Cup’s scheduling, he commented, “As per the current arrangement, things will proceed as expected. I had attended the Asia Cup as well, and both Roger Binny and Jay Shah have been fully supportive throughout.”
