India-Pakistan cricket match nothing less than a war, says Sehwag

Asked if India should play Pakistan in the World Cup, Sehwag said, "There are two points which are discussed, whether we should have a war with Pakistan or not (and whether we should play Pakistan)."

Speaking to reporters at an event, former India opener Virender Sehwag said a cricket match between India and Pakistan is nothing less than a war. India will play against Pakistan in the forthcoming World Cup 2019, in England and Wales. Asked if India should play Pakistan in the World Cup, he said, "There are two points which are discussed, whether we should have a war with Pakistan or not (and whether we should play Pakistan)." "That is also one point that is discussed. We should do whatever is good for the country's welfare. When India and Pakistan play a match, it is nothing less than a war. We should win the war, not lose it," he told reporters at Goa Fest, an annual event organised here by advertising associations. Facing a volley of questions on ongoing Lok Sabha polls, Sehwag said, "I feel a leader should have the courage to take decisions, quick decisions in the interest of the country, in the interest of the Army and the interest of the police." He said if people started voting for leaders and not on the basis of party lines, then "half the leaders" wouldn't get elected. They (the leaders) get elected because people vote for the party. The person who can take decisions should get elected, irrespective of which party he is from," he claimed. He said the police and the Army should not be kept "suppressed", adding that he wanted the country to prosper and not "any particular person". Asked if he intended to join politics, Sehwag quipped, "I have always worked on contract. Right from Ranji to the IPL (Indian Premier League), whichever party gives me a good contract, I will join." On a lighter note, he added, "The contract should not be less that Rs 100 crore."