Rajeev Shukla Responds to Pakistan Media Remarks

Rajeev Shukla Responds to Pakistan Media Remarks

Rajeev Shukla, veteran Congress leader, former Union Minister and current Chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council, issued a sharp and detailed response on 12 February 2026 to a series of provocative remarks made by Pakistani media outlets and retired military commentators. The controversy began after several prominent Pakistani TV channels and social-media handles carried stories and opinion pieces accusing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of “bullying” smaller cricket boards and deliberately blocking Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup 2026 and the Champions Trophy 2026.

The remarks escalated when a former Pakistan captain and noted television analyst claimed on a prime-time show that “Rajeev Shukla personally hates Pakistan cricket and is using his influence in the ICC to isolate us.” Another commentator alleged that Shukla was “the invisible hand” behind the Asian Cricket Council’s decision to shift the 2026 Asia Cup venue away from Pakistan.

In a strongly worded statement released through the Congress media cell and posted on his official X account, Rajeev Shukla categorically denied the allegations, defended India’s cricket administration and accused the Pakistani media of “manufacturing controversy for domestic consumption.”

Shukla’s Official Statement – Key Excerpts

Rajeev Shukla’s response, issued late on 12 February, read in part:

“The allegations being levelled against me and the BCCI are baseless, malicious and motivated. I have never made any personal comment against Pakistan cricket or its players. My only position has been — and remains — that bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan can resume only when the Government of India feels the security and political environment is conducive.

The decision on Asia Cup and Champions Trophy venues is taken collectively by the Asian Cricket Council and ICC respectively. These are multi-nation events governed by transparent voting processes. To suggest that any individual — let alone me — has the power to dictate terms to the entire Asian or global cricket community is absurd and shows a complete lack of understanding of how international cricket administration works.

I urge the Pakistani media to refrain from personal attacks and engage in constructive dialogue. Cricket should unite, not divide. India has always supported Pakistan’s participation in multi-nation ICC events on neutral venues when security concerns are addressed. That position has not changed.”

Background of the Controversy

The row was triggered by two developments:

1. Asia Cup 2026 Venue Decision The Asian Cricket Council (ACC), in a meeting held in Dubai on 3 February 2026, voted 6–1 (Pakistan dissenting) to hold the Asia Cup in a hybrid model: matches divided between Sri Lanka and UAE. Pakistan had demanded full hosting rights, but the majority cited “ongoing security concerns” and “logistical issues” for the neutral-venue decision.
2. Champions Trophy 2026 The ICC had already decided in late 2025 to stage the Champions Trophy in Pakistan after assurances from the PCB on security. However, Pakistani commentators alleged that “Indian pressure” was behind repeated delays in finalising the schedule and broadcast rights.

Pakistani media houses — particularly ARY News and Samaa TV — ran multiple segments on 10–11 February accusing Rajeev Shukla of “poisoning” relations and using his dual role as Congress leader and IPL chairman to influence ICC decisions.

Political & Cricket Establishment Reactions in India

The Congress party quickly rallied behind Shukla:

• Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala: “This is a deliberate attempt by Pakistani media to deflect from their own cricket board’s failures and internal politics. Rajeev Shukla ji has served Indian cricket with integrity for decades.”
• Jairam Ramesh (Congress MP): “When Pakistan fails to honour its commitments, they blame India. It’s the same old playbook.”

From the cricket administration:

• BCCI Secretary Jay Shah: “The BCCI respects all member boards. Venue decisions are taken collectively. Personal attacks on administrators are unacceptable and counterproductive.”
• IPL Governing Council: Issued a short statement affirming that Shukla’s role in IPL has no bearing on international cricket governance.

Pakistan’s Domestic Context

The remarks from Pakistani media appear to have been amplified amid internal pressure on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB is facing criticism for:

• Poor performance of the national team in recent ICC events
• Financial losses after the 2025 Champions Trophy was moved to UAE
• Ongoing disputes with players over central contracts

Blaming India — and specifically high-profile Indian figures — remains a familiar tactic to deflect domestic criticism.

Broader India–Pakistan Cricket Relations

Bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has remained suspended since 2012–13 (except for ICC and ACC multi-nation events on neutral venues). The last full bilateral series was in December 2012–January 2013. Since then:

• All India–Pakistan matches have been played only in ICC tournaments or Asia Cup
• The ACC has adopted a hybrid model for Asia Cup since 2023
• The PCB has repeatedly accused the BCCI of blocking bilateral series

The BCCI’s consistent position has been that bilateral cricket can resume only when the Government of India approves, citing security concerns.

Conclusion

Rajeev Shukla’s sharp rebuttal to Pakistani media remarks has closed the immediate controversy, but it has once again highlighted the deep freeze in India–Pakistan bilateral cricket relations. The episode also shows how cricket continues to be used as a proxy battleground for larger political and emotional tensions between the two neighbours.

While Shukla has defended his record and the BCCI’s institutional position, the larger question remains unanswered: when — and under what conditions — will India and Pakistan resume full bilateral cricket? For now, fans on both sides must remain content with high-stakes encounters in ICC events and Asia Cup tournaments.

Until political realities change, the cricketing calendar will continue to offer only occasional glimpses of what could be one of the greatest rivalries in sport.