Only Indian Government Will Decide on Bilateral Relations, Says Rajeev Shukla in Pakistan
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Synopsis
Rajeev Shukla, representing the BCCI, stated that the Indian government will decide on the resumption of bilateral ties with Pakistan, emphasizing adherence to government decisions while attending the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal in Lahore.
Key Takeaways
- Indian government will decide on bilateral relations.
- BCCI will follow the government's lead.
- Pakistan's hosting of the tournament is positive for global cricket.
- Fans from both nations wish to see their teams play.
- Government consent is crucial for bilateral matches.
Lahore, March 5 (NationPress) Rajeev Shukla, representing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stated that the Indian government will ultimately decide on the resumption of bilateral relations with Pakistan. He emphasized that the BCCI will adhere to the government's stance regarding this matter. Shukla made these remarks while in Pakistan, where he attended the second semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, addressing inquiries from the local media regarding the potential revival of bilateral ties.
"Regarding cricketing relations between the two nations, the decision is unequivocally made by the government. We will comply with whatever the government determines," Shukla conveyed to the Pakistani press in Lahore.
He acknowledged that it is a positive development for global cricket that Pakistan is hosting an international tournament for the first time since the 1996 World Cup. "It is commendable that Pakistan is hosting an international event after such a long hiatus, and they have executed the organization commendably," Shukla remarked.
Shukla recognized that fans from both nations are eager to see their teams compete against one another. "Supporters from both countries indeed wish for the teams to play, but the BCCI's policy has been, and the PCB would likely adopt a similar approach, that bilateral matches should occur on each other's home ground rather than at a neutral site," he explained. This has consistently been the BCCI's stance. Additionally, there exists a provision within the ICC that stipulates government consent is required. This is a significant requirement, ensuring that arrangements are made in accordance with the government’s approval," Shukla noted.
Shukla refuted claims that the Indian team had an unfair advantage by playing all its matches at a single venue while other teams played across multiple locations. He was one of the delegates from cricket boards attending the second semifinal of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, featuring New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.
His attendance at the notable match garnered significant attention, particularly in light of the recent diplomatic strains concerning India’s involvement in Pakistan.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), a total of five representatives from various cricket boards were present for the knockout match. Alongside Shukla were Roger Twose (New Zealand Cricket), Farooq Ahmed (Bangladesh Cricket Board), Pholetsi Isaac Moseki, and Dr. Mohammed Moosajee (both from Cricket South Africa).
"PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi attends the ICC #ChampionsTrophy semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium with BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla. Officials from the Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, and Zimbabwe cricket boards are also witnessing the #NZvSA clash," the PCB announced on X. They also shared a video showcasing the dignitaries enjoying the match alongside the PCB Chairman.
