BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla Addresses Allegations of Unfair Advantage for Team India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has dismissed concerns over India allegedly gaining an unfair advantage by playing all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai. Shukla emphasized that the Indian team relies on skill and performance rather than external factors such as pitch conditions.
The controversy arose after former players questioned whether India benefited from playing all their games at a single venue, unlike other teams that had to travel between three venues in Pakistan and Dubai. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions led to the adoption of a hybrid model for the tournament.
Team India Advances to Champions Trophy 2025 Final
Criticism intensified as both Australia and South Africa were required to travel to Dubai for the semifinals. India secured their spot in the semifinals by defeating New Zealand in the final group-stage match. Meanwhile, South Africa and New Zealand had to travel to Pakistan for their semifinal clash.
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India defeated Australia by four wickets to reach their third consecutive Champions Trophy final. New Zealand also booked their place in the final by defeating South Africa by 50 runs in Lahore on March 5.
India’s Success Based on Skill, Not Pitch Conditions – Shukla
Rajeev Shukla firmly rejected the notion that India’s success was influenced by favorable pitch conditions in Dubai. He clarified that the decision to host India-centric matches in Dubai was made during an ICC meeting.
“When this decision was being made during the ICC meeting, it was agreed that India-centric matches would be played in Dubai while the remaining games would be held elsewhere,” Shukla stated during a media interaction at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
He added, “It’s not about fairness or unfairness. The Indian cricket team doesn’t depend on pitches. There are various types of pitches in Dubai as well. India plays based on performance and skill, not on the basis of the pitch.”
Bilateral Cricket Between India and Pakistan Depends on Government Decision
Shukla also addressed the possibility of resuming bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan at a neutral venue, stating that the decision ultimately lies with the Indian government. He emphasized that bilateral series should take place on the soil of either nation rather than at neutral venues.
“As far as bilateral cricket relations between India and Pakistan are concerned, the decision is in the hands of the government. Whatever the government of India instructs, we will follow that,” Shukla said.
He further explained, “It is the policy of the BCCI, and I believe it is the same for the PCB, that bilateral games should be held on the soil of either nation. They should not take place at a neutral venue. This has been a consistent policy of the BCCI.”
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Shukla’s comments highlight the BCCI’s stance on the issues surrounding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 and the broader context of India-Pakistan cricket relations.
