In 1983, Kapil Dev captained the Indian cricket team to an improbable victory over the formidable West Indies in the World Cup final. Despite being considered underdogs, India emerged victorious, marking a watershed moment in the country’s cricketing history. The win not only brought home the coveted trophy but also played a crucial role in elevating the popularity of cricket in India.
In a recent interview with ABP News, Kapil Dev disclosed that he has not received an invitation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the upcoming World Cup final. Expressing his desire to have his entire 1983 World Cup-winning team present at the event, Kapil Dev conveyed a sense of simplicity in his decision-making.
“You called me, and 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,” explained Kapil Dev.
The stage is set for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team to face off against the Pat Cummins-led Australian side at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19. Reports suggest that the BCCI plans to honor former World Cup-winning captains, including Kapil Dev, with special blazers during the innings break.
Kapil Dev Not invited to World Cup Finals#KapilDev #IndiaVsAustralia #WorldcupFinal #IndiaVsAustraliaWC2023 #WC2023 pic.twitter.com/zLRDB8ASdd
— Veer Wolf (@wolfbaaz) November 19, 2023
As the cricketing world awaits the grand finale, the BCCI has organized a spectacular closing ceremony. Highlights include a salute from the Indian Air Force featuring a nine-hawk acrobatic display, a light and laser show during the second drinks break, and a drone show deploying 1,200 drones to create an aerial champion board for the victorious team.
The list of expected attendees comprises a formidable lineup of former World Cup-winning captains, including Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, MS Dhoni, Michael Clarke, and Eoin Morgan. This gathering of cricketing legends is a testament to the rich history and global impact of the Cricket World Cup.
The revelation by Kapil Dev has raised questions about the BCCI’s oversight and responsibilities in ensuring the participation of all former captains. Balancing the intricacies of organizing such a grand event with the sentiments and expectations of cricketing legends is undoubtedly a challenging task.
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News of Kapil Dev’s omission from the guest list has garnered significant media coverage and sparked reactions on social media. Fans and cricket enthusiasts have expressed their surprise and disappointment, emphasizing the importance of honoring the pivotal figures in Indian cricket history.
Former captains play a crucial role in shaping the legacy of cricket. Their on-field achievements and leadership qualities contribute not only to the success of their respective teams but also to the overall narrative of the sport. The BCCI’s recognition of these cricketing icons adds a layer of nostalgia and reverence to the World Cup final.
In response to Kapil Dev’s statement, the BCCI has clarified its position and expressed its efforts to include all former captains in the event. The cricketing board acknowledges the contributions of these legends and strives to ensure that the final is a fitting tribute to the history of the Cricket World Cup.
World Cup Winning Captains: Clive Lloyd (1975, 1979- West Indies), Kapil Dev (1983 – India), Allan Border (1987 – Australia), Imran Khan (1992- Pakistan), Arjuna Ranatunga (1996 – Sri Lanka), Steve Waugh (1999 – Australia), Ricky Ponting (2003, 2007 – Australia), MS Dhoni (2011 – India), Michael Clarke (2015 – Australia) and Eoin Morgan (2019 – England).
The collapse happened with Suryakumar’s T20 announcement even before the game started. This captaincy announcement should have been made after the ODI final.