Butt Criticizes India’s Decision, Questions Message to Global Fans

Former Pakistani cricketer Salman Butt has voiced his disapproval of India’s choice to pull out of a scheduled match against Pakistan in the ongoing World Championship of Legends. Butt argues that if India opts out of playing Pakistan in this tournament, they should maintain the same stance for all ICC events.

The highly anticipated veterans’ game between India Champions and Pakistan Champions, initially set for Sunday, July 20, at Edgbaston in Birmingham, was ultimately cancelled.

Reports indicate that the match was scrapped after several Indian players, including former opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan, reportedly refused to participate, citing increased tensions between the two nations as the reason.

Butt’s Remarks on YouTube

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Butt strongly criticized India’s approach, questioning the overall message it conveys to cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

“The entire world is observing them. What message are they sending to the sport and its fanbase? What are you trying to demonstrate? What are you trying to prove? From now on, abstain from playing in the World Cup and any ICC tournament against us. Make that commitment,” Butt stated.

“We acknowledge that there’s a context for everything. However, since you’re now linking these issues, then avoid playing against us at any level or in any competition. Not even the Olympics. Please do that. I would be delighted to see it,” he further commented.

The former left-handed batter also expressed doubts about the decision-making process that led to India’s withdrawal, implying that a select few individuals may have swayed the decision for the rest of the team.

“What kind of mentality is this? It’s beyond my understanding. Who exactly is making these choices? Because of those four or five individuals who decided against playing, others who were likely inclined to play probably felt pressured,” he noted.

Teams and Upcoming Matches

India Champions, led by former World Cup champion Yuvraj Singh, features a squad with prominent players such as Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, and Varun Aaron.

On the other side, Pakistan Champions, captained by Mohammad Hafeez, began their campaign impressively by defeating England Champions by five runs in the opening match.

While defending a score of 161, Pakistan restricted England to 155-3, with bowler Sohail Khan delivering a crucial final over, conceding just 10 runs when 16 were required.

Pakistan Champions are scheduled to play their next match against South Africa Champions on July 25 at Grace Road in Leicester.

The tournament, which started on July 18 and is co-owned by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board, will conclude with the final on August 2.