Former cricketers Kapil Dev and Navjot Singh Sidhu are looking forward to attending the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Mr. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had said it would send formal invitations to Mr. Sidhu and Mr. Dev, besides former Test star Sunil Gavaskar, and Bollywood actor Aamir Khan for the swearing-in.
Mr. Kapil Dev told The Hindu , “It’s an honour to be invited and I would love to go, subject to government approval. Imran is a friend, and it feels nice to see him achieve his dream of leading his nation.”
Mr. Sidhu echoed the sentiments. “A cricketer has risen to this status and it is good news for both nations. If the government permits me, I would like to go for the function,” he said.
Reflecting on his relationship with Mr. Khan, the former India captain said, “I know he has a strong character and I know he will strive to do good for his people.”
“He was always concerned with the cause of the common people. I expect Imran to build infrastructure that will change the face of his nation,” Mr. Dev said.
Mr. Sidhu remembered his first meeting with Mr. Khan at Faridabad in 1987. “I was awestruck. What a personality. His first ball hit me and he rushed to me and advised me to breathe deep and relax. He earned my respect that day. We spent time on the field against each other and together in the commentators’ box and I found him to be a man of vision and concern for his country. His cancer hospital, which offers free treatment, is the greatest gift anyone could think of giving to his country.”
Mr. Dev was positive that Mr. Khan’s elevation as Prime Minister would help in improving relations between India and Pakistan.
“Co-existing peacefully would be good for India and Pakistan and Imran can achieve that. He was instrumental in bringing neutral umpires in cricket to ensure fair supervision. I am sure Imran will be able to convince the Army to look at things differently.”
Mr. Sidhu, now part of the Congress government in Punjab, said, “Imran wants to bring in changes. For him, politics is a mission and I know he will succeed. He can convert weaknesses into strengths because he has the charisma to do it. He was an exemplary player and I know he will be an impeccable leader to remove the acrimony between the two nations.”
On cricket playing its role in India-Pakistan relations after Mr. Khan takes over as Prime Minister, Mr. Dev noted, “Honestly, cricket is a very small instrument. It is the will of the governments and here I am sure Imran can help the two nations build the bridge of peace. It will help if both the countries spend less on defence and more on improving the overall infrastructure. If the two Koreas can do it, why not India and Pakistan? I would like Imran to work in this direction.”
