Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, along with current Australia captain Pat Cummins and South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen, have openly expressed their views regarding India's notable "advantage" in the Champions Trophy. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, is uniquely positioned as the sole participant playing all its matches at a single venue, the Dubai International Stadium, due to the Indian government's decision not to send their team to Pakistan for the tournament. The Indian squad, which remains unbeaten, has advanced to the final, and their victory over Australia in the semi-final has resulted in Pakistan losing the opportunity to host the final, which is now scheduled to take place in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.

On Wednesday, during the second semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla was questioned by a Pakistani journalist about why the Indian team could not travel to Pakistan for the final. Shukla, who is in Pakistan at the invitation of the PCB, provided a clever response that left the reporters momentarily speechless. “For that, Australia should have won yesterday (Tuesday). But since they lost, the final will have to be played in Dubai," Shukla remarked.

He further dismissed the notion that the Indian team has gained an advantage from competing at a single venue in this eight-team tournament.

“When this decision was made at the ICC level, it was determined that India-centric matches would be held in Dubai, while the remaining matches would take place in Pakistan, so the issue of fairness does not arise,” he stated. “The Indian team does not rely on specific pitches; even in Dubai, there are various types of pitches. The team’s success is based on their performance, and the players leverage their strengths rather than depending on the pitch conditions,” Shukla concluded.

When will India vs Pakistan bilateral cricket resume?

A senior official from the BCCI has stated that the resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan is "very categorical and clear," contingent upon the approval of the Indian government.

"In response to your inquiry regarding cricket between the two nations, it is unequivocally the decision of the Indian government. We will adhere to whatever the government of India decides," Shukla remarked.

He further noted, "Pakistan is hosting an international tournament after a significant period, which is commendable. They have organized it effectively."

While Shukla acknowledged that fans from both nations desire the revival of bilateral relations, he expressed skepticism regarding the possibility of matches being held at a neutral venue.

"It is indeed true that supporters from both countries wish to see their teams compete; however, the BCCI has maintained a policy, which the PCB likely shares, that bilateral matches should occur on each other's home grounds rather than at a third or neutral location," he explained.

"This has been a consistent stance of the BCCI. Additionally, there is a provision within the ICC that requires government consent, which is a significant factor, thus decisions are made in accordance with the government's perspective."

"The prospect of any other country offering to host an India-Pakistan match is understandable; who would not want to?" the experienced administrator added.

"We (BCCI) present our position to the government, but the final decision rests with them after thorough consideration. When the government reaches a conclusion, it does so after evaluating numerous factors. This is their internal matter," he concluded.

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