Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajiv Shukla got angry at the question of a Pakistani journalist in which he asked him whether India is getting an advantage by playing in Dubai in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan is the host of this ICC tournament, but India refused to travel to the neighboring country for this, after which the ICC decided to hold all India's matches in Dubai.

Many cricket experts say that India is getting an advantage by playing in one place. Rajiv Shukla had gone to watch the second semi-final match played between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore and during that time he was asked the same question. BCCI Vice President got angry at this question and he gave a befitting reply to the Pakistani journalist. Rajiv said that India depends on its performance, not the pitch.

Rejected the advantage of playing in one place
Rajiv Shukla said, that when this decision was taken at the ICC level, it was decided that India's matches would be held in Dubai and the rest of the matches would be held in Pakistan, so it is not a question of fair or unfair. The Indian team does not depend on the pitches, even in Dubai there are different types of pitches. The team plays based on its performance, the players play based on their strength and do not depend on the pitches.

'Playing bilateral series at a neutral venue is not the policy of BCCI'

During this time Rajiv Shukla was also asked about the possibilities of a bilateral series between India and Pakistan at a neutral venue. Regarding this, the BCCI Vice President said that it is very clear that the resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan is subject to the approval of the Government of India. At the same time, playing bilateral series at a neutral venue has not been the policy of BCCI. He said, as far as you are asking about cricket between the two countries, it is very clear that this is the decision of the Indian government. Whatever the Government of India says, we will go according to them. Pakistan is hosting an international tournament after a long time and this is a good thing. They have organized it well.

The BCCI vice-president said, it is true that fans of both countries want the teams to play, but the BCCI's policy has been that bilateral matches should be held on each other's soil and not at a neutral venue and The PCB will also have a similar policy. This has been the consistent policy of the BCCI. There is also a provision in the ICC which is about the consent of the government. This is a big provision, so it happens from the point of view of the consent of the government. We put our point in front of the government, but they decide after deliberation. When the government makes a decision, it takes it after considering many aspects. This is their internal matter.

The bilateral series has not been happening for a long time.

There has been no bilateral series between India and Pakistan for a long time. India last visited Pakistan during the Asia Cup in 2008. However, the Pakistan team came to India to participate in the ODI World Cup 2023. The last bilateral series between these two countries was played in 2012-13 and since then India and Pakistan have played against each other only in ICC or multinational tournaments. The Indian team has reached the final of the Champions Trophy, while Pakistan's journey ended in the group stage itself.

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