Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, stated that India-Pakistan cricket ties will only resume with Indian government approval. He praised Pakistan’s hosting of the Champions Trophy and confirmed that bilateral matches traditionally occur on each country’s soil, not at neutral venues, as per BCCI policy.
On March 5, Rajeev Shukla, Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), addressed the future of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan. He asserted that any resumption of bilateral series hinges solely on the Indian government’s approval. Shukla had recently visited Lahore, following an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board to attend the Champions Trophy semi-final.
Shukla commended Pakistan for their successful hosting of the Champions Trophy, an ICC event they had not hosted in 29 years. He expressed admiration for the organization of the tournament, stating, “Pakistan is hosting an international tournament after a long time, and it is a good thing. They have organised it well.” He emphasized that decisions regarding cricketing ties are ultimately guided by the Indian government’s stance.
Addressing the possibility of holding the India-Pakistan bilateral series at a neutral venue, Shukla expressed skepticism. He noted, “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.” Shukla reiterated the importance of government consent within the ICC regulations governing such matches.
Furthermore, Shukla remarked on other countries’ interest in hosting India-Pakistan matches. He acknowledged the BCCI’s discussions with the Indian government regarding potential matches, emphasizing that these decisions involve considerable deliberation and careful consideration of numerous factors.
In conclusion, Rajeev Shukla has made it abundantly clear that the future of cricket matches between India and Pakistan is contingent upon the Indian government’s approval. He praised Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Champions Trophy while reiterating the BCCI’s longstanding policy against neutral venues for bilateral matches. Ultimately, the framework surrounding cricketing ties remains deeply rooted in governmental decisions.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
