India-Pakistan Cricket Game Nothing Less Than War: Sehwag

File photo of Virender Sehwag.

(Photo: PTI)

A cricket match between India and Pakistan is nothing less than war, former India opener Virender Sehwag said on April 12, Friday.

Speaking to reporters at an event, Sehwag brushed aside queries on whether he intended to join politics with jestful remarks. He stressed that people should vote for a leader who is decisive, though he refused to take any name.

When asked about whether India should play Pakistan at the World Cup after the Pulwama attacks, the former Indian opener had a diplomatic answer.

“There are two points which are discussed, whether we should have a war with Pakistan or not (and whether we should play Pakistan). That is also one point that is discussed. We should do whatever is good for the country’s welfare. When India and Pakistan play a match, it is nothing less than a war. We should win the war, not lose it.”

Virender Sehwag, Former Indian Cricketer

"They (the leaders) get elected because people vote for the party. The person who can take decisions should get elected, irrespective of which party he is from," he claimed.

He said the police and the Army should not be kept “suppressed”, adding that he wanted the country to prosper and not “any particular person”.

Asked if he intended to join politics, Sehwag quipped.

"I have always worked on contract. Right from Ranji to the IPL (Indian Premier League), whichever party gives me a good contract, I will join." On a lighter note, he added, "The contract should not be less that Rs 100 crore."