"I'll Play Only If My Government Allows": Kapil Dev On Playing Against Pakistan

During a pre-match discussion on NDTV after the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final, the focus shifted to Captain Suryakumar Yadav's emotional dedication of India's win to the victims of the Pahalgam attack. While many saw it as a heartfelt patriotic gesture, the captain was fined for his statement, sparking debate over whether sports and politics should mix.

Ex-Indian Captain Kapil Dev Kapil Dev responded by drawing a line between personal ethics and national representation. He emphasized that while personal opinions matter, when representing the country, one must act in accordance with what the government permits. He also rejected the idea that patriotism should be measured by public gestures, saying, "Even if he hadn't mentioned Pahalgam, he would still be a patriot."