Rajeev Shukla Lahore Visit Amid India-Pakistan Cricket Standoff
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla present at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore has sparked discussions. Given India’s firm stance on not traveling to Pakistan due to security reasons, his visit has raised curiosity.
India’s Stand on Champions Trophy Matches
Since Pakistan was announced as the host of the tournament, BCCI has maintained that Team India will not travel there. As a result, India has played all its matches in Dubai, including the semifinal against Australia. The Men in Blue will now face the winner of the South Africa vs. New Zealand clash in the final on March 9.
BCCI and PCB Officials Share the Stage
Rajeev Shukla was seen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium alongside PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, sipping tea and engaged in conversation. The PCB shared a video highlighting his presence along with officials from Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, and Zimbabwe cricket boards.
Shukla’s Stand on India-Pakistan Bilateral Cricket
When asked about the possibility of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket, Shukla reaffirmed that the decision rests with the Indian government.
“It is very categorical and clear that resumption of cricket between the two countries depends on the government’s decision. Whatever the Indian government decides, we will follow,” he told the Pakistan media.
Pakistan’s Return to Hosting ICC Tournaments
Shukla also acknowledged that Pakistan hosting an international tournament after a long gap is a positive development. However, he reiterated that BCCI’s policy requires bilateral matches to be held on each other’s soil rather than at neutral venues.
With the final approaching, all eyes remain on the cricketing action, but Shukla’s visit continues to be a topic of discussion in the cricketing world.
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