EXCLUSIVE: Kapil Dev supports India-Pakistan World Cup match

Amid growing demands of boycotting the World Cup match against Pakistan in the wake of Pulwama attacks that killed more than 40 Indian soldiers on February 14, former India World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev hinted the opposite, saying that a sporting event should not be stopped under any circumstances.

“World Cup is not about India-Pakistan relations only. It is an international event and we should not talk about boycotting an international event because of Pakistan’s PM or anything else,” said Kapil Dev in ABP NEWS Shikhar Sammelan 2019.

The 1983 World Cup winning captain also drew attention about the unnecessarily targeting of cricket every time. “We are ready to do everything. Then no one speaks of a boycott but why single out cricket or sport every time?” Kapil asked.

A lot of former India cricketers including Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh have gone on record saying that India should refuse to play Pakistan given the attack on India’s security forces was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammad, a terrorist organization operating from Pakistan. Whereas the likes of Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar spoke about playing Pakistan and beating them in the World Cup.

Asked to react on the same, Kapil Dev said, “It is their personal opinion. I have nothing to say on this and I believe, a cricketer should not indulge in any political comments. Sachin, Sourav are like my brothers, so I won't be able to take sides.”

“Sportspersons should never be asked not to play. Being a cricketer myself, I know how that might feel. Playing is the only thing we know and that’s what it should be,” Kapil added.

Kapil, however, went on to say that his opinion should be taken as an official stance or a revolt of any sorts and the final call should be taken by CoA after consulting the Indian government.

“I don't hold any position to make an official comment on the issue. We all should accept what the Indian government and BCCI decides.”

Kapil also supported the CoA’s decision to leave the matter to ICC. “ICC should take a call on whether to ban Pakistan or not. I would only say that cricket should not be hampered in any way.”

The CoA in a letter to ICC has requested cricket’s parent body to sever ties with nations who support terrorist activities in future. The letter however, had no mention of refusing to play Pakistan in the World Cup match slated to take place in Manchester on June 16.

Speaking about non-cricketing ties with Pakistan, Kapil opined “The matter of Pakistan is a sensitive issue and we should not try to influence others. Instead, we all should leave the matter to the government.”