Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar on Saturday (April 11) reacted over Kapil Dev's remarks on his idea of an India-Pakistan ODI series behind closed-door to jointly raise funds in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
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Earlier this week, Akhtar had proposed this suggestion but Kapil rejected it saying “India doesn’t need the money” and it is not worth risking lives for a cricket match.
In an exclusive chat with Aaj Tak, Shoaib said he respected Kapil Dev but the whole world needs funds in the wake of the Coronavirus crisis.
“I don’t think Kapil bhai understood what I was trying to say. Everyone is going to be trapped economically. This is the time to put our heads together and generate revenues. The global audience would be hooked by a match. Kapil said he doesn’t need the money and he surely doesn’t. But everyone else does. I think this suggestion will come into consideration soon,” he quoted.
“I had said that I know India more than even Imran Khan himself. I have traveled to many areas and interacted with many people there. I keep telling people here what Indians are all about. Our countries have a lot of poverty. I am saddened when people are suffering. As a human and as a Muslim, it is my responsibility to help as much as I can,” the speedster added.
While rejecting Akhtar's proposal, Kapil had also said it is not feasible to organise a cricket match right now. But According to Akhtar, the fundraising match will come as a blessing for people whose livelihoods depend on cricket.
"After Pakistan, I have recieved maximum amount of love from India. I am forever grateful about the love I have received from the people of India. I have travelled the whole of India. From Himachal Pradesh to Kerala to Uttarakhand," the Rawalpindi Express said.
“So I was only asking what options we had if nothing happens for the next six months. What will all the people, who are employed because of cricket, do? What will happen to those whose livelihoods depend on cricket? The only option we have is holding a fundraising match. Maybe it leads to betterment in the relationship. I am talking about a larger perspective,” he further remarked.
