World Cup-winning India captain Kapil Dev was pulled up by former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi after he turned down Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal for an India-Pakistan ODI series to raise funds to battle the coronavirus pandemic. But Kapil has made it clear that he still stands ground.
“You could be emotional and say that yes, India and Pakistan should play matches. Playing matches is not a priority at the moment. If you need the money then you should stop the activities at the border. The money which will be spent can be used to build hospitals and schools. If we really need money than we have so many religious organisations, they should come forward. It is their responsibility. We offer so much money when we visit the religious shrines, so they should help the government,” Dev was quoted as saying to Sports Tak.
The 61-year-old wants everyone to look at the larger picture and not even think about cricket at present.
“I am looking at the larger picture. Do you think cricket is the only issue we can talk about? I am rather worried about the children who are not being able to go to schools and colleges because that is our young generation. So, I want schools to reopen first. Cricket, football will happen eventually,” he added.
Akhtar had earlier proposed an India vs Pakistan series which would help the broadcasters raise money and also help needy people sustain their living.
“I don’t think Kapil bhai understood what I was trying to say. Everyone is going to be trapped economically. This is the time to put our heads together and generate revenues. I’m talking about the larger perspective, about economic reforms. The global audience would be hooked by one single match, it will generate revenues. Kapil said he doesn’t need the money and he surely doesn’t. But everyone else does. I think this suggestion will come into consideration soon,” Akhtar had told Aaj Tak.
