BCCI’s Rajeev Shukla Clarifies India’s Stance on Cricketing Ties with Pakistan
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated that the resumption of India-Pakistan cricket ties hinges on government approval. He acknowledged Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Champions Trophy but indicated that bilateral matches would be unlikely to occur at neutral venues. Shukla reinforced that the BCCI’s policies reflect a need for consent from the Indian government.
Rajeev Shukla, the Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed that the continuation of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan is contingent upon government approval. His comments, made on March 5, occurred during his visit to Lahore, where he attended the semi-final of the Champions Trophy. He acknowledged Pakistan’s effective organization of the tournament, marking its first time hosting an ICC event in nearly three decades.
Shukla articulated that the decision regarding a bilateral series rests solely with the Indian government. He stated, “It is very categorical and clear that it is the (Indian) government’s decision. Whatever the government of India says, we will go as per them.” This reflects the stringent adherence to governmental directives in cricketing affairs between the two nations.
When questioned about the possibility of a bilateral series occurring at a neutral venue, Shukla conveyed skepticism. He emphasized that both the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) favor hosting matches on home soil rather than neutral locations. He clarified, “Bilateral matches should be held on each other’s soil and not at a third (or) neutral venue,” underscoring the existing policies guiding these decisions.
Moreover, Shukla recognized that many nations are eager to host India-Pakistan matches, but it is ultimately up to the Indian government to make that determination. He remarked, “We (BCCI) keep our point in front of the government but they decide after their deliberations.” This illustrates the layered complexity and the strategic considerations involved in facilitating cricketing events between India and Pakistan.
In summary, Rajeev Shukla emphasized the necessity of government approval for any resumption of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. While he praised Pakistan’s recent hosting of the ICC event, he noted that bilateral series would likely occur only on home grounds, adhering to established policies. The BCCI’s decisions hinge significantly on governmental consent, highlighting the intricate interplay between sports and politics in these nations.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
