The former Indian cricketer, Kapil Dev, has shrugged out Pakistan’s former cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar, for his proposal of the Indo-Pak series to raise Coronavirus funds in this critical situation.
Recently, Shoaib Akhtar presented an idea of three-match ODI series between the arch-rivals to raise Coronavirus funds. He received heat of criticism by fans and many prominent names from cricketers.
Kapil Dev went against his idea saying the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in a good position to donate more if needed and has already donated a surplus amount. We don’t need the money and the three-match ODI series cannot make that much money.
Kapil also highlighted that matches during this critical time can divert attention and things can go wrong. He said other things are more important than cricket for the next five-six months.
Kapil Dev crushes at Shoaib Akhtar for Indo-Pak series proposal
“He is entitled to his opinion, but we don’t need to raise the money. For us, what is important right now is how our authorities work together to deal with this crisis,” he said.
“The pressing issue is to look after the poor, the hospital workers, the police, and all other people who are on the frontline of this war.”
“The BCCI has donated a hefty amount ($6.7 million) for the cause and is in a position to give much more if the need arises. It doesn’t need to raise funds.
“And how much money can you make from three games? In my view, you can’t even think of cricket for the next five to six months,”
“The situation is unlikely to get normal anytime soon and organizing a cricket game means putting our cricketers at risk which we don’t need to,”
“Cricket will resume when things get normal. The game can’t be bigger than the country.”
However, Rajeev Shukla, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has said that this statement of Shoaib seems comic. If the 44 year-old wants cricket at this time, it must be the statement for fun only.
“Shoaib Akhtar is a jolly and moody man everyone knows it. Time by time he keeps giving such suggestions and ideas. At this stage, if he is talking about a cricket match between India and Pakistan to raise funds to help both the countries. So, I feel it is a matter of fun.
“We are not even able to organize IPL, who will come to watch that match who will allow players to come and play,” Rajeev Shukla said as quoted by India Today.
“India-Pakistan don’t play in bilateral series, who will organize this match at this current situation of the country is not good and in his country situation is even worst so how can match happen so I feel this statement is comic,” he added.
