DUBAI // Kapil Dev, widely acclaimed as the greatest Indian cricketer of all time, said yesterday that the UAE's efforts to join the cricketing elite mean the sport could flourish here in the same way as football. "People love the game here and understand it," Dev said during a charity visit to Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah. "In two years time when they have some of the finest stadiums in the world, and with a passionate crowd behind them, maybe they can achieve Test match status.
"There is no reason why this shouldn't happen when the resources are in place and with financial backing. It would certainly be something people would enjoy." Dev is ranked by some commentators among the top all-rounders of all time and was the Indian captain when his team won the World Cup in 1983. "I think it would be fantastic if a new cricketing country came in and did well," he said. "In football, Japan and Korea have done so much to broaden the appeal of the sport and help it evolve and if this happened in cricket it would be good for the game.
"Also I think it would be fantastic if the UAE could qualify for the World Cup and India could face them." Referring to the large number of Indians who choose to raise families in Dubai, Dev acknowledged the possibility that Indian-born cricketers could play for a different country. "Some Indian families may feel there are more opportunities for them in Dubai," he said. "If an Indian-born cricketer is talented then maybe he will play for another international team. If an individual has the talent they will shine wherever they are in the world.
"We have seen this often in other sports. The important point is that they enrich their sport with their talent. "If a sportsman or woman was born in India and played for another team Indians would still be proud of their achievements." Dev was in Dubai to help Khushii, a non-governmental organisation which he chairs, and al-Noor Centre launch an auction to raise funds for a charity that aids the poor.
"This part of the world is becoming very strong; the people here are thinking ahead and opening their minds, and helping the people in need today," said Dev. "There is no point in living like kings if others live like paupers, because there will be no happiness. Our dream is to go out into the world and give back." Khushii and al-Noor have assembled artists and celebrities from around the world to put their work on canvas for auction on Nov 28.
"What simply began as India on Canvas has transcended into Internationals on Canvas, and due to the success we have had in India we are now coming to Dubai," said Aman Nath, who came up with idea for the charity. "We are bringing celebrities to share a canvas with an artist of their choice for charity. "Charity is not just about the rich giving money to the poor. The idea is to empower those who are in need of help so they can stand on their own two feet, and create a more harmonious world."
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