The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president, Rajeev Shukla, is set to travel to Pakistan on Wednesday, March 5, to watch the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 between New Zealand and South Africa. The seasoned administrator will be present at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which is set to host the semi-final on Wednesday.
Rajeev Shukla will remain in Pakistan for two days before returning to India on March 6.
Notably, Shukla had also travelled to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, when the tournament was held in a hybrid format. On that occasion, he was accompanied by BCCI president Roger Binny.
Meanwhile, Dubai was hosting the first semi-final between India and Australia on Tuesday, March 04.
India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. Pakistan initially did not agree to hosting India’s game at a neutral venue and there were reports that claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board was threatening to pull out of the tournament.
However, the International Cricket Council and the cricket boards of India and Pakistan agreed to a hybrid model which allowed India to play their matches in Dubai. Notably, the ICC agreed to a hybrid model in all ICC tournaments held in India and Pakistan until 2028. Pakistan will not visit India for the T20 World Cup in 2026 and the women’s World Cup in 2025.
