Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev said the Indian Premier League (IPL) has brought happiness to people by providing thrill, during his visit to the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula to watch the first semifinal of the Chandigarh Premier League (CPL).
Kapil Dev praises IPL and CPL
Kapil Dev appreciated the growing craze for cricket across the nation. He noted that leagues like the CPL have doubled the excitement for the sport and given players a fair platform to showcase their talent. "It's good to watch, children enjoy the sport. In recent years, such leagues have doubled the craze for the sport. It is good to see that players are getting a fair chance to showcase their talent. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has brought happiness to people, as it provides thrill," he added.
Chandigarh's sporting environment praised
Dev expressed that hosting the event in Chandigarh would have doubled the joy, though he was not aware of the technicalities. He recalled that Chandigarh used to host major championships and is now gaining recognition from the BCCI. "There's nothing like hosting the event in Chandigarh. I am not aware about the technicalities. The city used to host some major championships. It's good to see that the city is getting recognition from the BCCI. With infrastructure for various games, including cricket, hockey, badminton, etc, available here, the city is among the best places when it comes to sporting environment," he said.
Interaction with officials and players
Dev also interacted with Chandigarh Sports Secretary Prerna Puri through a video call and shared his experience. Speaking to young cricketers, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain credited Chandigarh for playing a defining role in his journey. "Had I not been born in Chandigarh, I would have never become a cricketer or lifted the World Cup," he said, attributing the city's strong sporting culture for his achievements.
Encouragement for young cricketers
Dev encouraged youngsters to make the most of opportunities through league cricket, stating that state-level tournaments can serve as a stepping stone to the IPL and eventually the Indian team. Recalling his early days, he mentioned training at the Sector 16 Stadium and Sector 7 Sports Complex, where many of his sporting memories were created. He added that young sportspersons in Chandigarh are fortunate to have such a strong environment.
