Former India captain Kapil Dev Thursday called for severe punishment for Pakistan players found guilty in the spot-fixing controversy, and asked legendary Pakistan cricketer Imran Khan to take the initiative to save the game in his country.
“I appeal to Imran Khan to take charge of the current situation in Pakistan. Being the cleanest player, it’s he who can save and look after Pakistan cricket,” Kapil Dev told newspersons on the sidelines of a programme here.
“None of us want the game in Pakistan to be finished, as this is one country that has produced some of the finest cricketers.”
Kapil said he felt sad for the Pakistan cricketers but the guilty need to be “severely punished”.
“I do feel sorry for Pakistani cricketers and Pakistan cricket. But at the same time, the alleged ones should be severely punished if proved guilty,” said Kapil, the best Indian all-rounder ever.
He appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to see to it that the game’s image was not spoiled due to the activities of some “negative people.”
“I’m not qualified to say ICC should ban players. But I appeal to the governing body to look after the game and make sure right people investigate the current issue. It should ensure that betting scandals carried out by a handful of negative people do not taint the wonderful game.”
Kapil also appealed youngsters to never bet on cricket.
