Kapil Dev: Indian players must follow government on Pakistan interactions
Former India captain Kapil Dev told India Today on September 18, 2026 that Indian cricketers have little choice but to follow the government’s position on interactions with Pakistani players amid recent cricket controversies between the two countries. His remarks came after an incident at the Asia Cup final involving the Indian women’s team and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi.
The Indian women’s team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council president and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi after their 72-run win over Sri Lanka in the final. Players completed celebrations on the field before head coach Amol Muzumdar addressed the squad and the team went through its medal ceremony. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla presented the fielding medal to Nandani Sharma, and Saikia congratulated the players while Naqvi was seen interacting with other dignitaries as preparations for the official presentation continued. Naqvi later presented the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, and the broadcast ended shortly after Athapaththu spoke to former Sri Lanka cricketer Farvez Maharoof, leaving the trophy presentation involving India out of the live feed.
“If the government has taken a decision not to shake hands with Pakistani players, then the players have no choice. In such matters, players will go by what the government says,” Kapil Dev told India Today. He framed the players’ conduct as following the government’s decision in matters of interaction with Pakistani players.
On a separate matter, Kapil Dev said, “Imran Khan deserves humane treatment. That is our basic demand,” while speaking about former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The article notes Khan has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases, and that his prolonged detention and reported health concerns have prompted calls from his family and former cricketers for proper care.
On August 23, 22 former international captains wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging better facilities and the restoration of court-ordered weekly family visits. The letter also called for a Supreme Court-ordered medical board, including doctors chosen by Khan, to conduct an independent assessment of his health and for any recommended treatment to be provided without delay.
Former Pakistan cricketers Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Moin Khan have also spoken out. Australia captain Pat Cummins has called for Khan to be treated with dignity.