As anticipation builds for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup, former Indian captain and World Cup winner Kapil Dev has emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm and focused approach. Dev believes the primary focus should remain on the game of cricket, rather than allowing it to be overshadowed by political tensions.
“Just go and win. Those whose job is to play should just focus on playing – there’s no need to say anything else,” Kapil stated. “Don’t make this a big issue. The government will do its job, and the players should do theirs.”
Dev’s remarks arrive amid renewed discussions concerning India and Pakistan’s involvement in cricket, which have once again adopted a political tone. Following the announcement of the Asia Cup schedule, debates have resurfaced regarding whether the two rivals should continue to compete on the cricket field, particularly in light of the recent Pahalgam attack, which has strained diplomatic ties.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral series since 2012–13 due to ongoing security and political concerns. However, they continue to compete in ICC and ACC tournaments. This year’s Asia Cup, officially hosted by India, has been relocated to the United Arab Emirates to manage the sensitive situation, with matches scheduled in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The BCCI has reiterated its commitment to adhering to the central government’s stance, which currently permits India’s participation in multilateral tournaments involving Pakistan but not in bilateral series.
India initiated their title defense with a dominant performance, overwhelming the UAE in their opening match. The Men in Blue required only 79 balls to dismiss the hosts for a mere 57 runs. The chase was executed efficiently, concluding in just 27 balls with nine wickets to spare.
Kapil Dev praised the team’s performance, labeling it a strong declaration of intent. “The team is very good and has secured an impressive victory. We hope they bring the trophy home,” he said.
India is the defending champion, having won the ODI edition of the Asia Cup in 2023. This time, they carry both momentum and expectation into a tournament already colored by geopolitical undertones.
As the cricketing world prepares for the marquee India-Pakistan clash, Kapil’s words serve as a reminder to keep sport separate from politics, at least on the field. This sentiment has gained resonance in cricket circles in recent years, where players from both sides have often expressed mutual respect despite external pressures.
In a region where cricket often transcends sport and becomes a matter of national pride, Kapil Dev’s grounded perspective offers a crucial reality check. The stage is set for a thrilling contest, but the hope remains that the game will be the ultimate victor.