Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s Indo-Pak series suggestion

Captain of India’s triumphant 1983 World Cup side, Kapil Dev, has dismissed Pakistan’s legendary former pacer Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal about a three-match Indo-Pak series to raise funds, in order to help the governments of India and Pakistan fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has brought the entire world to a standstill.

The 44-year-old believed that the fixture would be successful in generating a significant amount of money, which would help both countries.

Responding on Akhtar’s idea, Dev told ABP News: “India does not need money today so such a series should not be held. And why put our cricketers’ life in danger? So sit back and relax at home.”

“Why take the risk of endangering even one life? There’s no need for anyone to give such suggestions. The authorities are trying their best to make people understand the importance of staying home. It’s easy to say things but organising such an event is extremely difficult,” he added. 

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Both countries have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012, due to strained relations between the two neighbours.

Pakistan last toured India for ODIs and T20Is in 2012-13, while the two sides last played a Test match in 2007. The Men in Blue toured Pakistan in 2006 and have not visited there since. They now only face each other at International Cricket Council events such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.