Kapil Dev faces intense backlash over Asia Cup trophy row remarks, branded ‘loose cannon’ by netizens and leaders

Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev finds himself at the heart of a heated controversy after speaking out on the Asia Cup trophy drama. The 1983 World Cup hero urged Team India to brush aside tensions with Pakistan and focus on the spirit of cricket, but his words have sparked fierce backlash from fans, experts, and public figures.

In a recent TV interview, Kapil addressed India’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi or take the trophy from him. “I think when they didn’t shake hands, it was fine. Shaking hands is not a big thing… You can’t linger on for these type of things. You have to finish. You have to move on. Let the government do that job. Let the politician do that job,” Kapil said. He praised Team India for making a strong impact on the field, winning three matches against Pakistan in the tournament.

But many see his call for neutrality as tone-deaf, especially given India’s long history of dealing with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and cross-border violence. Critics argue Kapil’s stance overlooks the real pain felt by Indian soldiers and civilians.

Retired Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon didn’t hold back on social media. “Absolutely disagree with Kapil Dev, with utmost & due respect. This neighbour is a terrorist state & his terrorists are killing our civilians and soldiers. Let’s keep them where they belong – down there. Period. Jai Hind,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Another retired officer, Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey, called Kapil out for living in a fantasy world. “@therealkapildev is living in la la land,” he wrote, warning that such views could leave younger Indians unprepared for harsh realities like radicalization.

Political analyst Tehseen Poonawala hit hard too, pointing to a recent terror attack. “With respect Kapil Dev ji… on April 22, if you would have been in Pahalgam, the Pakistan terrorists would have slaughtered you on the basis of your name. Sorry sir, INDIA does not carry out terror attacks in Pakistan. Please drop this idea of talking to Pakistan! They want to NUKE us!!”

Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai labeled Kapil an “irrelevant has-been” pushing “anti-national drivel.” He added, “The unfortunate reality is that Kapil Dev is now an irrelevant has-been, whose discomfort with the new system is nothing more than a rejection of Indian pride under Modi’s India. Kapil Dev can take his views and go to hell – or Pakistan – whatever he prefers.”

Online, everyday fans have piled on, with thousands calling Kapil a “loose cannon” out of touch with national pride. One user summed it up: “We expected him to uphold national dignity, not sound like a Pakistan sympathiser.”

As president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and a brand ambassador, Kapil now faces questions about his future roles. Many say his comments disrespect the sacrifices of Indian armed forces, damaging the heroic image he built as a cricket icon.

Will Kapil stick to his guns or issue an apology? For now, this Asia Cup row has turned India’s beloved cricket legend into a lightning rod for debate, shaking his legacy in ways few saw coming.


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