Watch: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla attends second semi-final at Gaddafi Stadium

Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was spotted at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore during the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 between South Africa and New Zealand on Wednesday, March 5. 

There were a few instances when the cameras panned towards the dignitary, who was spotted watching the game in one of the VIP boxes at the venue, sitting alongside PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Shukla assumed office as the vice-president of Indian cricket's administraive body on December 24, 2020. With this development, it might not be wrong to speculate him to attend the final of the Champions Trophy 2025, which will involve India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 9.

M@anngrypakiistan

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla @ Qaddafi Stadium Lahore watching South Africa vs New Zealand. It's safe for him to visit Pakistan.

04:31 PM · Mar 05, 2025

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Ravindra, Williamson sparkle with tons; NZ eye strong finish

Coming to the current game, New Zealand find themselves at 314/4 at the end of 46 overs. Rachin Ravindra departed in the 34th over, but not before notching up his fifth ODI ton. Notably, all five of his tons in the format have come at ICC events. Kane Williamson brought up an expertly crafted ton too, his 15th in the format.

The Black Caps would be aiming to end their innings on a high after the platform that has been set by their top-order batters. There are high chances of a high-scoring run-chase on the cards, gauging by how the pitch in Lahore has played so far. If the Proteas manage to get the better of the Kiwis, it will be just their second appearance in the final of the Champions Trophy.   

Also Check: Why is Tristan Stubbs not playing Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final-2 between New Zealand vs South Africa?

The winners of the ongoing game will take on India in the final of the prestigious ODI tournament. New Zealand have already played India once, owing to both of them being drawn in the same group. They ended up on the losing side by a 44-run margin. Meanwhile, Group A's toppers, South Africa, last played against the Men in Blue during a three-match ODI series at home.