Kapil Dev Pakistan boycott comments have reignited debate over political interference in cricket after the former India captain criticised Pakistan’s decision to pull out of its high-profile ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. The Group A fixture, scheduled to be played in Colombo on February 15, was reportedly cancelled after the Pakistan government did not grant permission for the team to participate, a move that Kapil Dev said unfairly punishes players and fans alike.
Speaking out strongly, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain expressed disappointment at the late decision and sympathy for Pakistani cricketers, stressing that athletes should not be made to suffer because of political stand-offs.
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Kapil Dev expresses sympathy for Pakistan players
Kapil Dev said he was surprised by the timing of the withdrawal and felt the players were being blamed for circumstances beyond their control.
“I’m a little surprised that Pakistan pulled out at the last moment. I feel sorry for the Pakistan players. They have not committed any mistake here,” Kapil Dev said.
He emphasised that cricketing careers are short and that denying players opportunities on the global stage can have long-term consequences for their development and morale.
Drawing parallels with past India–Pakistan cricket tensions
Kapil Dev also reflected on the long and complex history of India-Pakistan cricket relations. He recalled making his Test debut in Faisalabad in 1978, during a rare bilateral series after nearly 17 years without Test cricket between the two nations.
Following the 1965 Indo-Pak war and the 1971 conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh, cricketing ties between India and Pakistan were largely suspended. According to Kapil Dev, such cycles of tension and reconciliation have been part of the sport’s history in the region.
“Such things continue to happen. Politics is thy name. Cricket lovers will miss an Indo-Pak match, and we can’t do much about it,” he said.
‘One man’s ego should not be bigger than the country’
Kapil Dev’s strongest remarks, where he openly criticised what he described as decision-making driven by individual egos rather than national interest.
“One man’s ego should not be bigger than the country. If one man thinks he can destroy Pakistan’s talent, ability and cricket, I think it’s wrong,” he said.
He added that if players themselves choose not to play, it is understandable, but enforced decisions from administrators or authorities damage the country’s reputation.
“If the board says you don’t play, then the reputation of the country goes down,” Kapil Dev noted.
Concerns over Pakistan cricket’s future generation
While admitting he was not fully aware of the ICC’s position on the issue, Kapil Dev said the situation did not look encouraging for Pakistan cricket.
“You’re killing the generation, the young boys who want to play for Pakistan tomorrow,” he said, while acknowledging the immense talent Pakistan has produced over the years.
Kapil Dev concluded by expressing concern for the next generation of Pakistani cricketers, warning that continued isolation and political interference could have lasting effects on the country’s cricketing future.