'You are being unfair to your own players': Kapil Dev's strongly worded message to Pakistan for boycotting T20 WC match vs India

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain of India, Kapil Dev, expressed deep disappointment with Pakistan for boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. In a strongly worded message, the legendary all-rounder defined the decision as harmful to Pakistan's own interests.Kapil Dev shares his thoughts on Pakistan's boycott of T20 World Cup match vs IndiaDev, who constantly endorses the idea of young cricketers breaking out on the circuit and taking the helm to evolve the game, feels that this call is completely unjust and catastrophic for the current crop of Pakistani cricketers. He also said that by taking such a stance, the board is risking damaging the reputation of the entire country."If the decision was taken by the players, they can come out and say. However, if the board says that you will not play, the reputation of the country comes down," Kapil Dev told NDTV."It is not looking bright for Pakistan. You are killing the generation. Pakistan have given us fantastic talents over the years. But if you will not allow these boys to play in the World Cup, you are killing the generation and hurting the game. You are being unfair to your own players," he added.Given the massive attention an India vs Pakistan game draws, the fans will be hurt if they do not get to witness the exciting encounter in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. However, when the dust settles, the spectators will move on, and Pakistan could lose supporters due to this, Dev believes."The emotions and spectators will be impacted. But, in the long run, no one will miss them. People will not think about it for a long time, and they will ultimately move on," the legendary cricketer concluded.The Pakistan government on Sunday made it clear that the Pakistan team will compete in the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7, but will take the field against India in the scheduled encounter of February 15. The decision triggered a massive uproar in India, and many former cricketers subsequently voiced their opinions, wanting the ICC to impose sanctions on Pakistan cricket.As the Pakistan Cricket Board is yet to communicate its official decision to the ICC, no follow-up call action can be taken as of now. However, in any case, it is unlikely that ICC will put some restrictions on the Pakistan team. But, as an India vs Pakistan match promises a massive revenue, all stakeholders will bear the loss if the match does not happen.