Ahead of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup, former Indian captain Kapil Dev has urged for a focus on the game itself. He believes that the players should concentrate on cricket, avoiding any distractions from political issues.
“Just go and win. Those whose job is to play should just focus on playing – there’s no need to say anything else,” Kapil said. “Don’t make this a big issue. The government will do its job, and the players should do theirs.”
Kapil’s comments come amid a backdrop of heightened political discussion surrounding cricket matches between India and Pakistan. Following the Asia Cup schedule announcement, debates have reignited regarding whether the two rivals should continue to compete on the cricket field, especially considering the recent strain in diplomatic relations.
India and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to ongoing security and political concerns. However, they still compete in ICC and ACC tournaments. The Asia Cup this year, although officially hosted by India, is being held in the United Arab Emirates to manage the sensitivities, with matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The BCCI has reiterated its commitment to the central government’s stance, which currently permits India to participate in multilateral tournaments that involve Pakistan but not in bilateral series.
India started their title defense with a dominant performance, quickly defeating the UAE in their tournament opener. The Indian team bowled out the hosts for a mere 57 runs in just 79 balls. The chase was clinical, completed in only 27 balls with nine wickets to spare.
Kapil Dev praised the team’s performance, noting it showed strong intent. “The team is very good and has secured an impressive victory. We hope they bring the trophy home,” he said.
India enters the tournament as defending champions, having won the ODI edition of the Asia Cup in 2023. They now bring both momentum and high expectations into a tournament already charged with geopolitical implications.
As the cricketing world looks forward to the India-Pakistan fixture, Kapil’s words remind everyone to separate sport from politics, at least during the game. This sentiment has been echoed throughout cricket circles in recent years, where players from both sides have often shown mutual respect despite external pressures.
In a region where cricket is often more than just a sport, becoming a matter of national pride, Kapil Dev’s viewpoint offers a necessary perspective. The stage is set for a fiery contest, but the hope remains that cricket will be the ultimate winner.