KAPIL DEV GIVES BEFITTING REPLY TO SHOAIB AKHTAR OVER INDIA-PAKISTAN ODI SERIES PROPOSAL 

As the world in fighting together against the novel coronavirus pandemic, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar came up with a proposal of an ODI series between India and Pakistan to generate funds for COVID-19 victims.

“If Virat [Kohli] scores a hundred, we will be happy, if Babar Azam scores a hundred, you will be happy. Both teams will be winners irrespective of whatever happens on the field,” the former Pakistani fast bowler recently said.

Akhrat further suggested that the two teams could play a three-match ODI series, while the money could be equally shared.   

“You are bound to get massive viewership for the games. For the first time, both countries will play for each other. And whatever funds are generated through this can be donated equally to the government of India and Pakistan to fight this pandemic,” he further added. 

Hours after his proposal went viral, legendary cricketer Kapil Dev slammed Akhtar's idea saying India doesn't need the money and it is not worth risking lives for a cricket match.

"He is entitled to his opinion but we don't need to raise the money. We have enough. For us, what is important right now is that how our authorities work together to deal with this crisis. I am still seeing a lot of blame game on television from the politicians and that needs to stop," Dev told PTI recently.

"Anyway, the BCCI has donated a hefty amount (Rs 51 crore) for the cause and is in a position to donate much more if the need arises. It doesn't need to raise funds. The situation is unlikely to get normal anytime soon and organising a cricket game means putting our cricketers at risk which we don't need to," he further added.

Further giving his opinion on cricket matches, Dev said cricket should not even take place for at least the next six months. "It is just not worth the risk. And how much money can you make from three games? In my view, you can't even think of cricket for the next five to six months. Cricket will resume when things get normal. The game can't be bigger than the country. The pressing issue is to look after the poor, the hospital workers, the police and all other people who are on the frontline of this war," the former Indian cricket finally stated.

India and Pakistan have not played against each other cricket since 2012 due to tensions between the two countries.