Salman Butt, former Pakistan captain, strongly condemned Mohammed Shami, senior pacer of the Indian cricket team, for his recent controversial remarks regarding the selection process of the Pakistan Cricket Team. Butt expressed his disapproval, pointing out that Shami’s comments seemed directed at Pakistan’s former chief selector, Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Shami’s statements have sparked widespread controversy by suggesting that personal relationships and nepotism influence Pakistan’s team selection, implying that this practice has affected the team’s performance negatively. The Indian fast bowler criticized the selectors, implying that if they prioritize relationships over merit, they might as well form a “family team.”
Butt’s response reflects the sensitivity and tension often present in cricketing relations between India and Pakistan, highlighting the scrutiny and criticism such comments can attract within the cricketing community.
Salman Butt slams Mohammed Shami for his “below the belt” remarks on Pakistan Cricket Team
Mohammed Shami said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast on YouTube: “I don’t understand why people find it necessary to target others. Improve your selection and send a good team; they can do it; the talent is there. Do one thing: make it a family team if you want to run the team based on personal relations.”
Reacting to the Indian pacer’s statement, Butt argued that Shami’s comments were unfair and baseless, emphasizing that players like Imam-ul-Haq have earned their spots through their own performance in domestic cricket and were dropped when not performing well.
Salman Butt said on his Youtube channel: “Pakistan should not pick teams based on relations and friendships. Mohammed Shami’s comments were targeted at Inzamam-ul-Haq. He targeted Inzamam by speaking about Pakistan picking their team based on personal relations, and I think this is wrong.
This is wrong because, if you look at Imam’s record, he came into the Pakistan team on the basis of his performance. He was also dropped when he failed. Shami’s remarks were below the belt, and he shouldn’t have said such things.”
It is a dirty hit: Salman Butt on Mohammed Shami targeting Inzamam-ul-Haq
The former Pakistan captain strongly criticized Mohammed Shami for his recent comments, describing them as unnecessary and provocative. Salman Butt likened Shami’s remarks to a “dirty hit,” referencing the controversy stirred by Inzamam-ul-Haq’s accusation of ball tampering against India during the T20 World Cup 2024, which was subsequently dismissed.
Butt emphasized that Shami, being recognized as one of the premier pacers in cricket history, should refrain from making such remarks. He drew a parallel with his own career as one of Pakistan’s top batsmen during his time, implying that both players should maintain a higher standard of conduct.
Additionally, Butt highlighted that the Inzamam-Rohit incident had already been resolved and should not be resurrected unnecessarily. He urged for calm and sportsmanship between the two cricketing nations, emphasizing that controversies like these only serve to escalate tensions unnecessarily.
The former batter was really disappointed with Shami’s comments on Inzamam. Butt signed off by saying, “Yes, there was a controversy, which should’ve been avoided. A lot of people made statements; Inzamam also said something; Rohit Sharma also clarified; and the topic was over.
But to say things about selecting players just because they are relatives is a dirty hit. Such things don’t suit Mohammed Shami. He is a renowned bowler, like how Inzamam was a renowned captain.”
