November 18, 2024: Kapil Dev, the legendary former Indian cricket captain, recently shared his views on the venues for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and the contentious India-Pakistan clash, reiterating that the final decision on such matters should lie with the government.
Speaking on the issue, Kapil remarked, “It’s the government’s responsibility. People like us should not give opinions, our opinions don’t matter. Kapil Dev can’t be bigger than anyone else.” His comments reflect a pragmatic understanding of the sensitive nature of such decisions, particularly when it comes to high-profile matches like India vs. Pakistan, where political and diplomatic considerations play a significant role.
This statement comes in the wake of ongoing discussions about the venues for the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan. Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a global Trophy Tour leading up to the tournament, but the tour has already faced controversy due to the cancellation of its planned stop in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The issue arose after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced plans to include PoJK cities like Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad in the tour schedule. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strongly objected, condemning the PCB’s unilateral decision and urging the ICC to take action. In response, the ICC decided to put the tour on hold and revised the schedule to exclude the disputed areas, which effectively resolved the immediate diplomatic tensions.
Despite the changes, the tour will still proceed, with the Trophy being showcased at iconic locations in Pakistan, starting with Islamabad’s Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and Pakistan Monument. The tour, which will also feature former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, will continue to prominent cities like Karachi, Abbottabad, and Taxila. Following its stops in Pakistan, the Trophy Tour will head to other international destinations, offering fans the chance to engage with the event in unique ways. The ICC also announced that a series of digital and physical engagements, including the Champion on Tour content series, will highlight the cultural and cricketing connections between nations.
Anurag Dahiya, ICC Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his excitement for the event, saying, “We are delighted to launch the Trophy Tour with DP World ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy… fans across the world will enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy.” The tour will allow fans to celebrate the excitement and significance of the Champions Trophy through vibrant cultural engagements that connect food, music, and cricket.
Kapil’s statement underscores the reality that in such high-stakes matters involving India-Pakistan relations, the government’s role is paramount. While the ICC and cricket boards play crucial roles in organizing the event, decisions related to venues, particularly in sensitive regions, often go beyond the control of cricket administrators and fall squarely within the realm of political governance.
