“What Do You Think of Yourself?”: Salman Butt Fires Back at British Media Over ‘Worst Team’ Label
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has launched a stinging rebuttal against sections of the British press following the fallout from Pakistan’s crushing defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley. Following the match, which saw the visitors suffer an innings and 103-run loss, some media outlets labeled the current Pakistan squad the “worst team in 50 years,” a characterization that has drawn significant ire from the former skipper.
Defending the Side Amidst Struggles
The opening Test was a one-sided affair, with England wrapping up the victory within three days. Pakistan was bundled out for a mere 135 runs in their second innings, failing to offer significant resistance to England’s relentless pace attack.
However, Butt argues that the harsh media scrutiny ignores the natural ebb and flow of professional sports. Defending the current crop of players, he maintained that the team had never sought to portray itself as an invincible juggernaut.
“We never said we were world champions. We never claimed to be a big team, nor did we boast about ourselves,” Butt stated. “What do you think of yourself? What kind of things do you say? Phases come in teams. Teams might not play well.”
A Pointed Jab at England’s Squad Composition
Butt’s defense quickly shifted into an attack on the composition of the England team. He highlighted the diverse international origins of several players representing England, contrasting it with Pakistan’s reliance on a homegrown system.
“At least no matter how our team is, even if it’s the worst ever, it’s our own,” Butt declared. “It’s not from a Commonwealth, with the captain from Ireland, the wicket-keeper from South Africa… one guy from Scotland, one guy Australian, and one guy from the West Indies. This isn’t six nations playing as a team.”
A Dominant Display by England
The criticism comes in the wake of a statistical drubbing. After securing a 238-run lead in the first innings, England’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. Ollie Robinson was the standout performer, earning Player of the Match honors with an 8-80 haul, while Josh Tongue complemented him with 8-89 across the contest. Jofra Archer also played a key role, removing both openers early in the second innings to set the tone for the win.
This victory signals a successful start to a new chapter for English cricket following the departures of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Despite the transition, stand-in skipper Joe Root expressed satisfaction with his side’s clinical execution.
“Brilliant performance,” Root said post-match. “You look at the prep we had leading in… the fact we’re in a slight transition stage. I thought the way that we dealt with all of that, the clarity and the way the guys approached this week has been outstanding.”
As the three-match series progresses, the heat remains on the Pakistan squad to improve their output, while the debate surrounding the team’s standing—and the media’s harsh assessment—continues to dominate the discourse.
