Rajeev Shukla emphasized that any cricket series between India and Pakistan depends on Indian government approval. He praised Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Champions Trophy but expressed doubt about playing at neutral venues, citing BCCI’s policy for matches to occur on home soil. The government’s consent remains a crucial factor in these discussions.
Rajeev Shukla, Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), articulated a definitive position regarding the resumption of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. He stated that any bilateral series will only occur if authorized by the Indian government. Shukla visited Lahore at the invitation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to attend the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final and commended Pakistan for successfully hosting the event.
He underscored the importance of government intervention in cricketing relations. “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,” Shukla conveyed to the Pakistani media. Furthermore, he acknowledged the historic significance of Pakistan hosting the ICC tournament after nearly three decades, praising their organizational efforts.
When queried about the possibility of a bilateral series at a neutral venue, Shukla expressed skepticism. He noted that although fans desire the matches, BCCI’s longstanding policy—and likely that of PCB—maintains that such matches should occur on home soil only. “This has been BCCI’s consistent policy,” he stated.
Shukla described the role of government consent as critical, emphasizing, “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.” He recognized that various countries are eager to host India-Pakistan matches but deferred the final decision to governmental considerations, which encompass various factors.
In conclusion, Rajeev Shukla has reiterated that the resumption of cricket ties between India and Pakistan hinges exclusively on the Indian government’s approval. While he praised Pakistan’s efforts in hosting the ICC Champions Trophy, he maintained that any future bilateral series should occur on home soil rather than a neutral venue, in accordance with established BCCI policy. The decision-making process involves significant governmental input, affirming the complexities surrounding cricketing relations between these two nations.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
