Rajeev Shukla, BCCI vice president, says that everything depends on the orders of the Indian Government. Can we see an India-Pakistan bilateral series soon?
On an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board to attend the Champions Trophy semi-final between South Africa and South Africa, Shukla was present in Lahore.
Asked whether a bilateral series between the two rivals could happen soon, Shukla once more said it was not BCCI’s decision to take.
Regarding (cricket) between the two countries, it is very definite and obvious that it is the (Indian) government’s choice. “Whatever the Indian government says, we will go as per them,” Shukla said on Wednesday to the Pakistan media.
There has been no doubt among the unstoppable fan base for a bilateral series between the two countries. Still, Shukla was unsure if a series occurring at an impartial site would be chosen.
He said: “Fans from both countries indeed want the teams to play but the BCCI policy— and Pakistan would also have such a policy—states that bilateral games must be hosted on one another’s soil and not on a third (or) neutral location.
Such has always been the BCCI policy. The ICC also has a section on the government’s consent. It is a big provision, so it happens according to the point of view of government’s consent.
The seasoned executive included “Every other nation would offer to organize India-Pakistan.
“We (BCCI) present our argument to the government, but they make their decision following their own discussions.” Government decisions come after much deliberation of different angles. It is their own issue,” he went on.
Highlighting that the Men in Blue earned their rightful place in the final with their performances, Shukla also went on to dispute the argument that the particular Champions Trophy presentation of only one site gave the Indian team any unfair advantage.
India-centered games will be in Dubai and the rest of the games in Pakistan according to ICC level choice; therefore, he said, it is not a question of fair or unfair.
“Even there in Dubai, there are many sorts of pitches; the Indian team does not rely on pitches.” Shukla further noted, “The team relies on their performance; the players rely on their strengths and not rely on pitches.”
Asked if it would not have been better had the final taken place in Lahore, the quick-witted Shukla replied; “For that, Australia should have won yesterday (Tuesday).” But given their defeat, the last must be contested in Dubai.
