Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev blames the Indian media for the uncertainty surrounding the Indian team's tour of Pakistan in March.
"The media is to be blamed for creating unnecessary hype," he says.
The legendary all-rounder told Chief Correspondent Onkar Singh cricket between India and Pakistan should be treated like any other sport.
There is still uncertainty about the Indian cricket team's tour of Pakistan.
I think you should wait and see what happens. I personally feel there was never any doubt about the Indian team going to Pakistan. Whatever uncertainty was there it was in the minds of the Indian media. Sorry to blame the media for creating unnecessary hype.
You have toured Pakistan. What was the experience like?
The media should learn to say something positive about Pakistan as well. When we went there we had a wonderful time; the hospitality was so beautiful.
Are you saying there is no threat to the Indian players?
In a crowd there could be one person who comes out and creates mischief. But for his act we should not hold an entire nation responsible. Yes, security is an important feature, but if the government says the tour cleared, one should not have any doubts about it. This will create more problems.
Why should we create problems for our country or neighbours?
What kind of contest do you see between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar?
I expect a good contest between India and Pakistan, irrespective of which player is playing and which one is not.
I would like India and Pakistan to play good cricket that will entertain the people of the two countries.
Who is your favourite batsman?
I admire Sunil Gavaskar, who used to open the innings for India. Facing the first ball in a cricket match is the most difficult task because you do not know the pace of the wicket. It is always good for a person like me to come and bat in the middle order, because by that time you know the pace and bounce of the wicket and can play your shots accordingly.
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What was your experience like when you first toured Pakistan?
This was a long time ago. I was new to the Indian team and there was not much to think about. Things were different then. The game has changed over a period of time. Everything you do on the ground is clearly visible to people on their television screens. Even a sneeze is caught by television cameramen.
Do you think a contest between India and Pakistan on the cricket ground should be treated like virtual war?
This again is the creation of the media. You first create such words and then publicize them. Cricket between India and Pakistan should be treated like any other sport. You create hype; it could be good or bad, but you should take it as it comes.
My heart is with the Indian team, not just in cricket but whichever sport the team is playing.
Do you plan to go to Pakistan and watch the two teams in action?
I don't know yet, but if I do get some assignment I would like to go and report from there.
Are you joining the Congress party?
No, I am not going to join any political party. Neither the Congress nor the BJP have got in touch with me and asked me to join. Politics is not my cup of tea. For me all parties are the same. [Navjot Singh] Sidhu has joined the BJP and I wish him good luck.
If any cricketer contests the Lok Sabha election and invites me to join him in his campaign I would be too happy to do so, irrespective of the party he belongs to.
Lately, you have been seen in television serials and films. Are you a film buff?
I have been a film buff from my childhood, and like anyone I also bunked classes to see films. At times I was even punished for doing that.
I used to love seeing Dev Anand, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna films. They used to be my favourites, but with time my heroes have changed. Now we have a new breed of young and talented actors like Govinda, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan and so on. I saw Munna Bhai MBBS with my daughter. I thought it was a fabulous movie.
