Cricket Is King: Realising Its Influence, FIFA World Cup 2022 CEO Invites Kapil’s 1983 And Dhoni’s 2011 Teams To Event

The 1983 and 2011 World Cup titles have been one of the reasons why cricket has been worshipped as a religion in India. Realising the influence of cricketers on cricket and other sports in India, a senior official from the next FIFA World Cup at Qatar in 2022 has invited players from the two world cup winning teams to the showpiece.

According to an India Today report, the CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Nasser Al Khater, admitted that cricket was a massive sport in India. "It is safe to say that this World Cup (in Qatar in 2022) is for all of us to celebrate. I think I have to say, we look forward to welcoming you there (in Qatar)," Al Khater said at an awards ceremony in Mumbai.

"I did not realise how big cricket was in India,” Khater said while inviting the members from both the 1983 and 2011 World Cup winning teams, who were present at the event. “I extend you a special invitation to come and attend the football World Cup in Qatar,” Khater said. He further extended the special invitation to Indian footballers.

All-rounder Kapil Dev led the 1983 World Cup winning team, and wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni led the 2011 winning team.