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Amritsar: For the first time in 17 years, two senior BCCI office-bearers, President Roger Binny and Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, embarked on a journey to Pakistan, arriving in Lahore on Monday after crossing the Attari-Wagah border. This visit was made in response to an invitation from the PCB to witness the Asia Cup.
It’s worth noting that the last instance of an Indian cricket team traveling to Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup, and the last bilateral series between the two nations took place in 2006.
The BCCI had initially declined to send its team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, resulting in the establishment of a ‘Hybrid Model’ arrangement. However, there was a significant development as the BCCI gave the green light for the participation of former Test player Binny and Congressman Shukla in a dinner event hosted by the Governor of Punjab province in Pakistan.
Shukla clarified the nature of the visit, emphasizing that it is purely related to cricket, devoid of political implications. He mentioned that it is a two-day visit and that the Governor of Punjab is hosting a dinner event attended by all three teams, including Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of keeping politics separate from cricket.
“Pakistan is the host of Asia Cup. The visit by this delegation is purely cricketing and there is no politics involved. It is a two-day visit and the Governor of Punjab is hosting us for dinner and all three teams Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan will be present. We shouldn’t mix cricket with politics,” Shukla told the media.
Regarding the prospects of a resumption of bilateral cricketing contests, Shukla noted that the decision rests with the Indian government, and they would abide by whatever directives the government provides.
“The decision with regards to bilateral series is taken by the Indian government and we would follow whatever the government suggests,” he added.
Binny also shared his previous visit to Pakistan, which dates back over 16 years when he was part of the Asian Cricket Council. He praised Pakistan’s hospitality, emphasizing the warm treatment they received during their stay.
(With Inputs From PTI)
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