BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla dismisses Dubai advantage debate amid Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

Rajeev Shukla, the vice president of BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) firmly neglected concerns about India having an extra cushion and undue advantage by playing all their matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With the pitch conditions known for being spin-favourable, many experts have come with criticism about the scheduling, raising doubts regarding favouritism towards India. 

Shukla was questioned about the controversy when he came to attend the second semi-final game in Lahore. Nevertheless, he remained undaunted and delivered a firm answer to a Pakistani journalist, emphasizing India’s strength and dominance throughout their game and performance rather than varying pitch conditions. 

“When this decision was made during the ICC meeting, it was agreed that India-centric matches would be played in Dubai, while the remaining games would also take place in Dubai. So, it’s not about fair or unfair. The Indian cricket team does not depend on pitches to win matches. There are different types of pitches even within Dubai. India plays on performance—our players rely on their skills, not the conditions." Shukla said while interacting with a Pakistan journalist at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.

'Whatever the Indian government decides' - Shukla on India-Pakistan bilateral resumptions chances

The BCCI vice president was also asked an interesting question about the possibility of India and Pakistan resuming their bilateral cricket ties at a neutral venue. He justified that the decision lies with the Indian government and incessant BCCI’s long-standing stance against playing bilateral series outside the two nations.

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“As far as bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan is concerned, the decision is in the hands of the government. Whatever the Indian government decides, we will follow. Moreover, it is BCCI’s consistent policy that bilateral matches should take place either in India or Pakistan, not at a neutral venue. I assume the PCB follows a similar approach,” he added. 

Notably, Pakistan visited India for the 2023 ODI World Cup while India last toured Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup. Since their last 2012-13 bilateral ODI series, the two sides have only met in multinational tournaments.