A significant moment in cricketing diplomacy unfolded today as a four-member delegation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) crossed the Wagah Border into Pakistan for a two-day visit. Leading this delegation is BCCI President Roger Binny, accompanied by BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, signaling a commitment to strengthen cricketing ties between the two nations.
A four-member delegation of the BCCI reached Lahore
The delegation will also be in attendance at the Asia Cup game
First visit by BCCI delegation since 2008
Video Courtesy: @imyousafanjum #AsiaCup2023 #BCCI pic.twitter.com/RM7mbv8ZGm
— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) September 4, 2023
Cricket, Not Politics
Addressing the media before departing from Amritsar to Lahore, Rajeev Shukla emphasized that the visit is solely focused on cricket. “Pakistan is the host of the Asia Cup. It is purely a cricket visit. There is no politics involved. It is a two-day visit, and the Punjab Governor has organized a dinner for us tonight,” he stated.
Upon their arrival at the Wagah Border, media coverage was restricted for security reasons. The delegation was then safely transported to the Pearl Continental hotel, where teams from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh participating in the Asia Cup 2023 are currently staying.
Aims of the Visit
The primary objective of the BCCI delegation’s visit is to engage in discussions of mutual interest with officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). They are keen to explore opportunities for collaboration and to enhance cricketing relations between the two neighboring nations.
The delegation also plans to witness the Asia Cup 2023 match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, a testament to their commitment to promoting cricket as a unifying force. Additionally, they are likely to attend Pakistan’s Super Four match on Wednesday.
As a symbol of goodwill and cooperation, the delegation is scheduled to participate in an official dinner hosted at the Governor’s House, fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship between India and Pakistan on the cricketing front.
