On Wednesday, March 5, during the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 between South Africa and New Zealand, Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was seen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The cameras occasionally panned in on the dignitary, who was seen sitting next to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in one of the VIP boxes at the stadium and enjoying the game.
On December 24, 2020, Rajeev Shukla became the vice-president of the administrative body of Indian cricket.
Given this development, it might not be incorrect to assume that he will be present at the Champions Trophy 2025 final, which India will play in on Sunday, March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla @ Qaddafi Stadium Lahore watching South Africa vs New Zealand. It’s safe for him to visit Pakistan.
— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 5, 2025
NZ eye-strong finish; Ravindra and Williamson dazzle with tonnes of energy
With 46 overs remaining in the current match, New Zealand is at 314/4. After reaching his sixth ODI century, Rachin Ravindra left the game in the 34th over. It is noteworthy that ICC events have accounted for all five of his tonnes in the format. Moreover, Kane Williamson produced a masterfully composed tonne, his fifteenth in the format.
The goal for the Black Caps would be to finish their innings strong after the foundation their top-order hitters have laid. Based on the way the Lahore pitch has performed thus far, there is a good likelihood that a high-scoring run-chase will be on the cards. With a victory over the Kiwis, the Proteas will only be making their second Champions Trophy final appearance.
The finalists of the current match will face India in the ODI competition final. Due to the fact that they were drawn in the same group, New Zealand has already played India once. They lost by a score of 44 runs in the end. The last time the Men in Blue faced the top-seeded South Africa in Group A was in a three-match ODI series played at home.