Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Rajeev Shukla expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements made for the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
Speaking to media during his visit to Pakistan, Shukla praised the organisation of the event, saying, “It feels very good to be in Pakistan, the arrangements have been excellent here.”
Shukla said: “The Indian team does not rely on the pitch; we play based on our performance.”
He stated, “India and Pakistan matches are in demand from all countries. Who wouldn’t want to see a Pakistan-India match? The hybrid model has been used twice, and both times it has been successful.”
Regarding the logistics of the tournament, Shukla mentioned that the final of the Champions Trophy and World Cup both carried significant importance.
He shared that it had been decided that all of India’s matches during the Champions Trophy would take place in Dubai. “For the final to be held in Lahore, Australia would have had to win,” Shukla remarked.
Shukla said: “The BCCI’s position on bilateral series. It has always been the policy to hold bilateral series on each other’s home soil.
“The BCCI has a policy that bilateral series should not be held at neutral venues,” Shukla said, adding, “Whenever there is a tournament, the BCCI seeks clearance from the Indian government, and only after receiving approval does the team go on tour.”
On the matter of future India-Pakistan matches in ICC tournaments, Shukla confirmed that it had been decided that these matches would take place at neutral venues.
He said that the ICC’s rules stipulate that the permission of the government is required for such matches.
“Pakistan-India matches are sought after by many countries. The hybrid model has proven to be a success both times,” Shukla said.
