Legendary Indian All-Rounder Reacts to Ongoing Controversy
The Asia Cup 2025 has been marred by controversies off the pitch, with Pakistan threatening boycotts and raising objections over scheduling, venues, and alleged unfair treatment. Amid the chaos, India’s World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has voiced his frustration, urging Pakistan to “play cricket instead of politics.”
Speaking at a sports event in Delhi on Wednesday, Kapil Dev said, “Every time Pakistan is not happy, they talk about boycotting tournaments. Cricket is bigger than these disputes. Fans want to see matches, not excuses.”
“Boycott Talks Hurt the Spirit of the Game”
The 1983 World Cup hero highlighted how constant threats of walkouts damage not only the sport’s reputation but also the players’ morale. “When you are part of an international tournament, you have to respect the game first. Boycott talks only create negativity and overshadow the hard work of cricketers,” Kapil added.
The comment comes after reports suggested that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had considered pulling out of the Asia Cup 2025 following the ongoing handshake controversy with India and concerns over umpiring standards.
Fans Deserve Cricket, Not Drama
Kapil Dev reminded both boards that cricket belongs to the fans, not administrators. “Supporters buy tickets, wake up at odd hours to watch matches, and put their emotions into the game. They don’t deserve this kind of drama. What they want is cricket, pure and competitive,” he said.
On social media, fans echoed his words, with hashtags like #KapilDev and #PlayCricketNotPolitics trending shortly after his remarks.
Asia Cup 2025: Controversies Overshadow Cricket
So far, the Asia Cup has seen Pakistan’s disputes dominate headlines — from venue concerns to the much-talked-about “handshake row” after the India-Pakistan clash in Dubai. Critics argue that such distractions are taking attention away from the thrilling performances on the field.
Kapil Dev stressed the importance of players staying focused. “At the end of the day, it’s about bat and ball. If you win, you get respect; if you lose, you learn. But don’t make the game hostage to politics,” he stated.
Kapil Dev’s Straightforward Advice to PCB
In his closing remarks, Kapil offered blunt advice to the Pakistan board: “Stop looking for excuses. If you want to be the best, then beat the best on the field. Boycotts won’t win you tournaments, only cricket will.”
With the Super Four stage approaching, Kapil’s comments strike at the heart of the ongoing drama. His words reflect the sentiment of millions of cricket lovers who want the Asia Cup 2025 to be remembered for its matches, not controversies.