NEW DELHI: The advent of T20 leagues around the world has lured many cricket players, with some even choosing to play in these leagues at the cost of their national duties. This stance has sparked a debate: what holds more significance - playing for the country or playing in the leagues?

India's 1983 World Cup–winning captain Kapil Dev has weighed in on the growing issue, saying that while the choice ultimately rests with the players, he believes representing the nation should always be a cricketer's highest honour.

"I think every individual is different. Yes, everyone loves money and some players might give priority to the league. But I still feel that playing for India is more important than the IPL, but like I said everyone is entitled to their own opinions, they have their own thought process. So, good luck to them," he said at the launch of The 72, the League, a PGTI event in Delhi.

Kapil Dev, now the president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), drew an interesting parallel between cricket's evolution and golf's aspirations while speaking at the event. Reflecting on the impact of the IPL, he said that the league had proved how a fresh idea, backed with the right vision, could transform a sport.

"IPL has shown us there can be great success," Kapil noted. "So why can't others try that? We're keeping our fingers crossed, we're dedicated, and we hope that one day golf will succeed in the same manner."

The World Cup–winning legend then spoke about his enduring love for cricket and how formats never mattered to him. "I just love cricket," he said with a smile. "It doesn't matter - two balls, 100 balls, 100 overs or 10 overs cricket is cricket."

He added that golf, too, shares the same spirit. "In the same manner, golf is golf. Whatever format you play, at the end of the day you enjoy the sport."