In the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Rajeev Shukla, the vice president of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), steadfastly disregarded worries that India had an unfair advantage and extra cushion by hosting all of their matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Numerous analysts have criticised the scheduling, casting doubt on any favouritism towards India given the pitch’s reputation for being spin-friendly.
When Rajeev Shukla travelled to Lahore to see the second semi-final match, he was asked about the situation. He was unfazed, though, and gave a resolute response to a Pakistani reporter, focussing more on India’s power and supremacy throughout their match and performance than on changing pitch conditions.
It was decided during the ICC meeting that matches involving India would be played in Dubai, and the rest of the matches would also be played there. Therefore, fairness or unfairness is irrelevant. In order to win games, the Indian cricket team does not rely on pitches. Even in Dubai, several kinds of pitches exist. India is a performance-based team; our players depend on their abilities rather than the circumstances. Shukla made this statement at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore while speaking with a journalist from Pakistan.
Rajeev Shukla on the likelihood of bilateral resumptions between India and Pakistan: “Whatever the Indian government decides.”
An intriguing query concerning the potential for India and Pakistan to resume bilateral cricket relations at a neutral location was also posed to the BCCI vice president. He defended it by pointing to the Indian government’s decision and the BCCI’s long-standing policy of not playing bilateral series outside of the two countries.
The government makes the final decision regarding bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan. We shall comply with any decision made by the Indian government. Furthermore, the BCCI has consistently maintained that bilateral matches must be played in India or Pakistan rather than at a neutral location. The PCB probably takes a similar tack,” he continued.
Notably, India last travelled to Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2008, and Pakistan most recently visited India for the 2023 ODI World Cup. The two teams have only played each other in international competitions since their most recent bilateral ODI series in 2012–2013.
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