EXCLUSIVE | Don't See Cricket Happening For Next 6 Months: Kapil Dev

Speaking at ABP E-Shikhar Sammelan, Kapil Dev said cricket can surely be played in empty stadiums if it means the well-being of players and fans is protected.

Photo: ABP Live

In an exclusive conversation with ABP News, 1983 World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev said the resumption of cricket can take a back seat for next 5-6 months until India wins the battle against coronavirus pandemic. The legendary all-rounder asserted that be it closed-door matches or currently postponed Indian Premier League (IPL), cricket can wait till the nation defeats the deadly disease that has claimed thousands of lives across the world. Speaking at ABP E-Shikhar Sammelan, Kapil Dev said cricket can surely be played in empty stadiums if it means the well-being of players and fans is protected. "I feel once the situation gets normal, cricket matches can take place in empty stadiums. Cricketers have experience of playing domestic cricket in almost empty stadiums. Of course, cricketers need fans to give them the much-needed cheering and boost in the field but the safety of fans is of utmost importance," said Kapil Dev. Most of the bowlers have a habit of using saliva and sweat to shine the ball. However, once cricket resumes, players will now have to reconsider the practice post lockdown. Kapil Dev said that if the doctors advise cricketers to limit or stop the usage of saliva or sweat as a precautionary measure then they should go by whatever instructions they get as players’ safety is something that cannot be overlooked. The Coronavirus outbreak and subsequent economic recession have made financial matters a bit complicated as possibly the BCCI might be facing some financial stress in these troubled times. "I think cricket in India will not only feel the negative but also the positive effects of Covid-19. Even if cricket starts in empty stadiums, fans will watch matches on TV which will help in increasing the turnover," said Kapil Dev. Due to the lockdown, players got the much-needed break from their busy schedule but they are ensuring to stay in shape by following a fitness routine. When asked whether the players will be able to get back in form as soon as they return to the field, even without 'ground practice', Kapil Dev said a player should maximum take 3-4 week or even less to get back in form. Like many other sporting events across the globe, cash-rich IPL too has been postponed indefinitely. Kapil Dev believes post Coronavirus if the weather allows, IPL can be conducted in the month of September. "IPL can take place if the situation gets normal. Rather then having a long schedule, a 25-day tournament can be conducted if the situation at that time is normal," said the legendary cricketer. On the suggestion of holding a series between India and Pakistan to gather funds for the sufferers of COVID-19 pandemic in both nations, the legendary all-rounder reiterated that cricket between two nations depends on national policies of both the governments.