India's inaugural World Cup-winning skipper, Kapil Dev, disclosed that he wasn't extended an invitation to attend the 2023 World Cup final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Speaking to ABP News, Kapil expressed his absence, stating that despite his desire for his entire 1983 World Cup squad to attend, he wasn't invited by the BCCI.
"You called me, I came here. Unhone nahi bulaya, mein nahi gaya (the BCCI didn't call me, I didn't go), as simple as that. I wanted my whole 1983 World Cup team to be there. But there is so much work going on, there's so much responsibility, sometimes people forget," Kapil conveyed to ABP News.
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Kapil led the Indian team to victory in the 1983 World Cup, triumphing over the formidable West Indies in the final to secure the trophy.
Watch below viral video: Kapil Dev says he wasn't invited for Ind vs Aus ODI World Cup Final 2023
Reports suggest that the International Cricket Council (ICC) intends to invite all World Cup-winning captains to the 2023 Cricket World Cup final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, although no official confirmation has been issued. The anticipated guests include from Clive Lloyd, the 1975 winner, to India's captains Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, alongside England's Eoin Morgan, potentially attending the final.
Notably absent from the lineup might be Imran Khan, the former Pakistan captain instrumental in their 1992 World Cup victory, as he is currently in jail. The expected attendees in Ahmedabad include captains like Clive Lloyd (1975 and 1979 winner), Allan Border (1987), Arjuna Ranatunga (1996), Steve Waugh (1999), Ricky Ponting (2003, 2007), MS Dhoni (2011), Michael Clarke (2015), and Eoin Morgan (2019).
Team India have maintained an unblemished record in the tournament, notably showcasing exceptional skills in the semifinals against New Zealand. Having won all ten matches played so far, securing an eleventh victory would grant them their third World Cup title. Meanwhile, Australia, after an initial setback with two losses, rallied with eight consecutive wins. They are vying for their record-extending sixth title.