Kapil Dev on India-Pakistan cricket: "Not fair for people like me" – backs government call
India cricket legend Kapil Dev firmly backed the government’s stance on India-Pakistan matches, declaring it’s “not fair for people like me” to comment publicly as he prioritises standing with the nation over loose statements. The 1983 World Cup-winning captain also urged cricket boards to prioritise Test cricket as the game’s foundation amid T20’s dominance, ahead of India’s Group A clash with Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo.
Kapil backs authorities on India-Pakistan cricket
Kapil made his views clear amid ongoing tensions and speculation over bilateral series or World Cup encounters.
“It’s not fair for people like me to make statements on this. It is the government’s call or the cricket board’s call. Whatever decision they take, I will stand by it because I prefer to stand by my country and not make loose statements. Many cricketers across the border like to do that—I don’t. I choose to stand with my country, and whatever policy they have, I am with them.”
He deferred to decision-makers, emphasising national unity over personal opinions in politically charged cricket rivalries.
Test cricket must remain the base
Kapil praised India’s T20 strength but stressed longer formats need equal focus for cricket’s health.
“In T20 cricket, no doubt our team is one of the best—you can always have a bad day. But if you are talking about cricket, you have to talk about Test cricket,” he said.
“One-day cricket should also not be ignored. I understand that T20 is thrilling, but the base of the game is Test cricket, and we should be investing more time in it, along with one-day cricket as well.”
Recent Test losses to New Zealand and South Africa prompted calls for specialist coaches, but Kapil shut that down.
“I think it’s not fair for me to give an answer like that… It is the responsibility of the cricket board and its think tank… If three coaches are required, they should appoint three. If two are required, appoint two. If one coach is good enough, then that’s fine too.”
Context: T20 World Cup India-Pakistan looms
Kapil’s comments come as India and Pakistan prepare for their Group A showdown on February 15 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – part of the 20-team tournament running February 7 to March 8.
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No bilateral series since 2012-13; meetings limited to ICC/ACC events amid security and political issues.
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