The second semi-final match of the Champions Trophy 2025 was played in the Pakistani city of Lahore, to watch which BCCI official Rajiv Shukla went there. Along with this, questions were also raised about the resumption of the cricket series between India and Pakistan. While addressing the media in Lahore, BCCI official Rajiv Shukla was questioned about this, to which he answered directly. Not only this, Rajiv Shukla also answered the question of the Pakistani media, in which he asked whether the final should not have been held in Lahore instead of Dubai.
First of all, let us come to the question of the series between India and Pakistan. Pakistani media, while stating that their country is now hosting international cricket, ICC events, asked Rajiv Shukla whether he does not think that the ice between India and Pakistan should now melt and a series should begin between the two countries? After hearing this question, Rajiv Shukla first praised Pakistan for hosting ICC events and international teams. Then he answered about the India-Pakistan series.
Rajiv Shukla said that the funda regarding the start of the series between India and Pakistan is very clear. This can happen only when the government wants. The decision on this is in the hands of the Indian government. BCCI will act according to what the Indian government says. Pakistan got the answer to the question of the start of the series against India. But what about the question it asked about the final match being held in Lahore? On the question of the Pakistani media about the final being held in Lahore, Rajiv Shukla said that this could have been possible only if the Australian team defeated India. That is, it would have won the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 played in Dubai. But, this did not happen.
Pakistan is the host country of the Champions Trophy. But in this edition, its journey ended at the group stage. Pakistan's team could not win a single match. It was first defeated by New Zealand, then by India. The last group match against Bangladesh was washed out due to rain. Whereas, India has booked a ticket to the final by remaining undefeated in the tournament.
