Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla on Wednesday appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in successfully hosting the ICC Champions Trophy.
"The matches which were played so far both in Pakistan and Dubai, it seems to be a successful tournament,” Shukla told reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
The BCCI representative and a few top officials of other cricketing boards around the world arrived in Lahore on the invitation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to witness the second semi-final held between South Africa and New Zealand.
While responding to a question, Shukla said that had Australia won the semi-final against India in Dubai then the final would have been held in Lahore.
Dismissing India’s Dubai advantage
When asked whether it was unfair that India played all its matches in Dubai, Shukla dismissed concerns, stating that the decision was made at the ICC level.
"There is nothing like fair and unfair. The Indian team does not rely on pitch but it plays on the basis of its calibre and performance,” Shukla said.
Bilateral series with Pakistan
On the possibility of resuming a bilateral series between India and Pakistan, Shukla reiterated that the decision rests solely with the Indian government.
"Whatever the Indian government will tell us, things will be done according to that,” Shukla said.
When asked whether a neutral venue could be considered, Shukla maintained that the BCCI’s policy remains unchanged.
"This is the consistent policy of the BCCI that bilateral series should be held on the soils of each other and it must be the policy of the PCB as well. Let’s see what dialogue is held,” Shukla said.
He stressed that when there is any event, the BCCI asks its government and then the teams go.
Hybrid model in future tournaments
On whether the upcoming Asia Cup would follow a hybrid model, Shukla said, “The status quo remains. Let’s see how things unfold.”
He acknowledged the hybrid model’s success, citing its implementation in two recent events.
When pressed again on the revival of an India-Pakistan bilateral series, Shukla emphasized that ICC provisions require government consent, and any decision would be communicated accordingly.
“And whatever is decided in future, we will let you know,” he said.
