Ex-captain Salman Butt defends Pakistan after media label as worst team
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt rebuked British press for calling the current side the worst team in five decades following a heavy loss to England at Headingley.
England wrapped up the opening Test of a three-match series at Headingley with an innings and 103-run triumph, leaving Pakistan dismissed for 135 in the second innings. In response, former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt slammed British media for branding the side the "worst team in 50 years," arguing the squad never boasted about being world champions. He defended the Pakistani players, noting they are developed entirely within their own cricket system, unlike England’s side which features players from several Commonwealth nations.
Butt also pointed out that Pakistan’s current form does not justify such sweeping condemnation. The match featured standout performances from England bowlers Ollie Robinson (8-80) and Josh Tongue (8-89), while Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan with 41 runs. England’s victory marks a new era after the retirements of Ben Stokes and the departure of coach Brendon McCullum, with captain Joe Root praising his team's preparation and execution.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights tensions between media narratives and player reputations after a high-profile cricket defeat.
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