Keep cricket above politics, says Kapil Dev

Maintaining a fine balance and choosing his words carefully, 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning Indian skipper Kapil Dev has called for keeping politics and the spirit of sport separate.

Speaking at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, Dev’s comments came ahead of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash, scheduled for September 14. The former India captain also appealed for calm, urging fans and stakeholders not to let political tensions overshadow the game.

“Just go and win. The players’ job is to play and they should just focus on playing. The government will do its job. There’s no need to say anything else,” said Dev during a media interaction.

Following recent escalations in India-Pakistan relations after the Pahalgam terror attack, debate around cricketing ties between the two nations has intensified. Both sides are not only participating in the ongoing Asia Cup but are also slated to meet in next year’s T20 World Cup. Additionally, the Indian women’s team is scheduled to face Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup. As the Pakistan Cricket Board refused to travel to India, that match is set to take place in Colombo on October 5.

Dev, who was in his hometown to attend a few matches of the Chandigarh Premier League and fulfil some personal commitments, also backed India to maintain the upper hand in the September 14 encounter.

“The Indian team is in good form, and has secured an impressive victory in the tournament opener. We hope they bring the trophy home,” he added.

India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012–13. Since then, political tensions and security concerns have stalled all direct cricketing exchanges. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, India began their Asia Cup campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory over hosts UAE. Chasing a modest 57-run target, India wrapped up the match in the fifth over — registering their biggest T20 win to date.