NEW DELHI, Dec 18: Former Indian cricketers on Thursday welcomed the government’s decision to call off the Indian cricket team’s tour of Pakistan, saying it was not the right time to play the game under the tense atmosphere between the two countries in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.
Former captain Anil Kumble, who retired from international cricket during the recent series against Australia, said it was a “good decision” under the circumstances.
“It is a good decision under the circumstances. We had known that we won’t be travelling to Pakistan under the present situation,” he said.
Former captain Kapil Dev said the government must have taken the decision in the best interest of the country and cricketers.
“It is up to the government to decide. We have to respect the government’s decision. Obviously, the government must have decided against the tour taking into account enough good reasons for it. The need of the hour is to follow the government’s decision and the people’s decision,” he stated. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, another ex-captain, said the tense situation demanded the Indians not to tour.
“It’s probably sensible not to go [to Pakistan],” Pataudi said. “The situation is tense...better to allow some time for tempers to cool down a bit and take another look at it in a few months.”
Ajit Wadekar, who led the country in some famous victories abroad, claimed the Indian cricketers could not be safe in Pakistan under the circumstances and the government has taken a right decision.
“Going by the current situation, the government has taken the right decision taking into account the threat on the life of our cricketers. Even if the players go ahead with the tour under this scenario they would have played under tremendous pressure. I welcome the decision,” Wadekar said.“There is no safety of [Indian] players. Pakistan does not have control over the terrorist and the attacks have been happening in front of their nose,” former Test player Anshuman Gaekwad alleged.
Another former player captain Nari Contractor said: “This is something we expected. There is no way this tour could have gone on. Although some may say that politics should not be mixed up with sports, this is beyond sports and cannot be tolerated.”
Former selection panel chairman Dilip Vengsarkar said he had said that India should not tour Pakistan, at least for a year. “I have said it earlier there is no point in touring Pakistan.”
Spin legend Erapalli Prasanna also felt it was not possible to tour Pakistan under the current circumstances, saying: “One got to understand the current situation. Under the circumstances what the government and BCCI have done is right.” Former cricketer and coach Madal Lal said after the terror attacks in Mumbai the tour to Pakistan was doomed.—Agencies