Kapil Dev, India, Pakistan, ICC World Cup 2019
Kapil Dev. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images for Laureus)

India’s first World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev has put his weight behind the upcoming India-Pakistan World Cup clash. India-Pakistan’s World Cup match has come under the scrutiny after 44 CRPF jawans lost their lives in the Pulwama attack. Meanwhile, both the arch-rivals are to lock horns on 16 June at Manchester.

On the other hand, Kapil Dev believes the World Cup is not all about India-Pakistan encounter. The ODI showpiece is an International event, in which all the participating teams should play each other with the same zest.

Kapil Dev Puts Weight Behind India-Pakistan's World Cup Clash
Kapil Dev (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images for Laureus)

World Cup is not India-Pakistan relations.

“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.

“We are ready to do everything. Then no one speaks of a boycott but why single out cricket or sport every time?” Kapil asked.

Meanwhile, the Haryana Hurricane believe that sportspersons should never be asked to not to play. The players have known to play the game from their childhood days and they should be backed to play.

“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 Dev Puts Weight Behind India-Pakistan's World Cup Clash
(Credits – Getty)

In fact, earlier Kapil Dev had said that we must back the decision of the Indian government. The Indian government is yet to take the final decision on the World Cup clash. BCCI and ICC will meet on 27th February in Dubai to further discuss the matter.

“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 backed 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.”

India-Pakistan match has under come under dark clouds after a brutal terrorists attack triggered a strong public reaction in the country. Many former players have given their opinions on whether India should play Pakistan or not. However, the BCCI will abide by the decision which will be made by the Indian government.

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