Photo Credit: Facebook Photo of Rajeev Shukla
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla attended the Champions Trophy semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore on March 5, marking a significant moment as Pakistan hosted an ICC event after a long gap. Speaking to the media after the match, Shukla touched upon the long-standing and complex issue of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket ties, emphasizing that the final decisions on the matter rests with the Indian government.
Government Holds the Key to India-Pakistan Cricket
When asked about the possibility of bilateral cricket between the two nations, Shukla made it clear that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) operates under the directives of the Indian government.
“As far as you are asking about (cricket) between the two countries, it is very categorical and clear that it is the (Indian) government’s decision. Whatever the government of India says, we will go as per them,” he stated firmly.
Shukla’s comments reflect the long-standing policy that India and Pakistan’s cricketing relations are intertwined with broader political considerations. While the two teams regularly meet in ICC events and Asia Cups, bilateral series have remained suspended for over a decade due to diplomatic tensions.
BCCI’s Stance on Neutral Venues for Bilateral Series
One of the most debated aspects of India-Pakistan cricket is the venue for potential bilateral series. Shukla reaffirmed BCCI’s consistent stance that matches should be hosted on each other’s home soil rather than at neutral venues.
“It is true that fans from both 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 explained.
This policy has been a point of contention, especially in events like the Asia Cup 2023, where a hybrid model was used—India played its matches in Sri Lanka rather than traveling to Pakistan. Shukla also pointed out that there is an ICC provision requiring government consent for bilateral series, reinforcing that political approval is a non-negotiable requirement.
“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?”
BCCI’s Role in Asia Cup and Future ICC Events
Shukla also referenced the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, an event that often becomes entangled in scheduling disputes due to India-Pakistan dynamics. While he did not provide new details, he confirmed that things would move forward based on the existing framework.
“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.”
His remarks suggest that while the Asia Cup format remains unchanged, there is still no breakthrough on a full-fledged bilateral series.
Final Say Rests with the Government
In closing, Shukla reiterated that while BCCI presents its views to the government, the ultimate decision is made by India’s policymakers.
“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.”
Outlook: No Immediate Change in India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
Shukla’s comments reinforce the reality that while fans and stakeholders yearn for an India-Pakistan bilateral series, the political climate remains the deciding factor. Until a shift in diplomatic relations occurs, the two teams will likely continue to face each other only in ICC and ACC tournaments, keeping their storied rivalry alive—but limited.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
