Kapil Dev on India-Pakistan row: Players must follow government’s decision

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has said Indian cricketers have no choice but to follow the government’s stance on interactions with Pakistani players, amid controversies involving the two countries in cricket.

The comments come after the Indian women’s team refused to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi. after their 72 run victory over Sri Lanka in the final. The incident has once again highlighted the strained sporting relations between India and Pakistan.

“If the government has decided not to shake hands with the Pakistani players, then the players have no choice. In such matters, the players will follow what the government says,” Kapil Dev told India Today.

After the win, the Indian players finished celebrating on the field before head coach Amol Muzumdar addressed the team. The team then completed the medal ceremony, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and Vice President Rajeev Shukla presented the medal to Nandani Sharma.

Saikia also congratulated the players on their winning campaign while Naqvi was seen interacting with other dignitaries as preparations continued for the official presentation. Naqvi later handed over control at second to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. The broadcast ended shortly after Athapaththu spoke to former Sri Lankan cricketer Farvez Maharoof, with the trophy presentation involving India off-air.

“IMRAN KHAN DESERVES HUMAN TREATMENT”

Kapil Dev also spoke about former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases.

“Imran Khan deserves humane treatment. That is our basic demand,” Kapil Dev said.

Khan’s prolonged detention and reported health problems prompted calls from his family and former cricketers to provide them with proper care. August 23rd 22 former international captains have written to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifurges better facilities and restoration of court-ordered weekly family visits.

The letter also called for a Supreme Court-ordered medical panel, including doctors handpicked by Khan, to conduct an independent assessment of his health and that any recommended treatment be given without delay. Former Pakistan cricketers Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Moin Khan also spoke, while Australia captain Pat Cummins called for Khan to be treated with dignity.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

18 Sep 2026 16:39 IST