India haven't played Pakistan in bilateral series since 2012-13.
Shukla stressed that the cricket board will follow the government’s directives owing to the strained political relations between two nations.
India haven't played Pakistan in bilateral cricket since a home limited-overs series in 2012, with their last meeting in Tests dating back to 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.
“In these circumstances, our stated policy is that we will do whatever the Indian government tells us to do in this matter. And ICC has also provided that if the government says something about a country, the cricket board will follow it. Similarly, in this case as well, whatever the government says will be followed. I don’t think it’s possible to have bilateral tours in the current situation," Shukla was quoted as saying to ANI.
“The stand of the Indian government has been there all the time in the past. I think that is absolutely fine. That’s why I find bilateral tours difficult. Although Pakistan came to India many times after that. But then the Government of India made a policy: that any triangular series or international tournament, we will play together, but on a third soil. Third soil means either in India or abroad," he added.
Shukla also highlighted security concerns in Pakistan by referring to the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.
“Where did this start? When the Sri Lankan team was attacked there, they had to run away. So even the government there cannot confidently say that they will give security properly," he remarked.
During the Men’s Asia Cup last September, the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts as the games were played amidst heightened tensions between two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack and retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
The arch-rivals faced each other thrice in the continental event and India emerged victorious on all occasions, including the title clash. In all three meetings, the Men in Blue refused to shake hands and exchange post-match pleasantries with the Pakistan players.
The no-handshake policy continued when the two teams squared off in the Women’s Cricket World Cup, Asia Cup Rising Stars and U19 Asia Cup last year.