The relationship between cricket and the underworld was not hidden from anyone at one time. In the 80s and 90s, from match fixing to contacts with players, the name of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim came up many times. It is said that his influence on venues like Sharjah was so much that even big people could not keep distance from him. However, there is one name in the history of Indian cricket, which neither gave importance to the fear of Dawood nor to his greed for money, that name is Kapil Dev.

When the atmosphere changed on the grounds of Sharjah

This incident is from 1986, when a triangular series was being played in UAE between India, Pakistan and Australia. The final match was to be held between India and Pakistan and a day before the match, the Indian team was present in the dressing room after practice. Meanwhile, famous actor and comedian Mehmood reached there with some people. The players were told that he was a big businessman, but in reality that person was Dawood Ibrahim.

car greed and silent player

During a conversation in the dressing room, Dawood made a strange proposal to the players. He said that if India defeats Pakistan in the final, every player of the team will be gifted a Toyota Corolla car. In those times, getting a foreign car was considered a big deal. All the players were surprised to hear this proposal, no one was saying anything.

Then the captain entered

Meanwhile, Team India captain Kapil Dev returned from the press conference and reached the dressing room. His mood changed immediately after seeing the outsiders inside. Kapil Dev has always been strict about discipline and he did not like outside interference in the dressing room at all. He first asked Mahmood to go out in polite but clear words. After this, Kapil Dev pointed towards the person, whom he did not even recognize, and said in a stern tone, “Who is this? Go out now.”

Dawood’s silent return

There was so much confidence and anger in Kapil Dev’s voice that Dawood Ibrahim left from there without saying anything. Later the players told Kapil that the person whom they scolded and threw out was not a common man but Dawood Ibrahim himself. Even after hearing this, there was neither regret nor fear on Kapil Dev’s face.