'Kapil Dev can't be bigger than anyone else': India legend weighs-in on ICC Champions Trophy row

Kapil Dev weighs-in on ICC Champions Trophy

The suspense over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues as we wait for an official decision on the venue of the marquee tournament, which is expected to be played between the months of February-March next year. Pakistan are scheduled to host the of the tournament, however, with India reluctant to travel across the border, chances of the ICC event being conducted in "Hybrid Model" has increased. BCCI has already communicated the same to ICC citing security concerns and has expressed their desire to play their matches in Dubai instead.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has maintained to conduct the tournament entirely in the country and even threatened to withdraw from the tournament if hosting rights are snatched. In addition, Pakistan has also warned of boycotting cricket ties against the fierce rival in all ICC and ACC events until issues between the two nations are resolved at the government level.

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As the two boards (BCCI and PCB) stand at loggerheads, India's first World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev was asked to weigh-in at the subject. "It's the government's responsibility. If government say it's okay, everything is fine. People like us should not give our opinion. Our opinion doesn't matter when the country decides something. Kapil Dev can't be bigger than anyone else," he said. The ex-India all-rounder was speaking on the sidelines of the 8th edition of the Vishwa Samudra Golden Eagles Golf Championship in Gurugram on Sunday.

'No one has any concern'

Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi while speaking to reporters on Monday informed that all participating nations are ready to travel to the country, and if India has concerns it'll be taken care of. “Every other team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. No one has any concern. If India has any concerns, we will talk, and we will ensure that concerns are taken care of. I don’t think there is any reason why India can’t come to Pakistan. Hopefully, all the teams will come,” he added.