Former Pakistan opening batter Salman Butt questioned the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions team’s decision to withdraw from the contest against Pakistan. Butt sought a promise from the Indian team that they would maintain the same stance when the two teams are scheduled to play against each other in an ICC event. Whenever it comes to a cricketing contest between India and Pakistan, such narratives often become the talk of the town but it isn’t the same when other sporting contests between the two countries are scheduled. Butt wants India vs Pakistan sporting battles to be prohibited even in events like the Olympics.
Salman Butt said on his YouTube channel. “The whole world is talking about them – what message have they sent to cricket as a whole and to the fans? What are you trying to show? What are you trying to prove? Now don’t play in the World Cup…don’t play against us in any ICC tournament. Make this a promise. See, we understand that everything has its own place. But now that you are interlinking, don’t play against us at any level or tournament. Not even the Olympics. Please do that. I would love to see. The stakes would be high, and I’d see how much nationalism they can show at that level, The former Pakistan cricketer said that the country wouldn’t forget what India pulled off at the World Championship of Legends, adding that they will keep reminding them of their nationalism if they break their stance in ICC tournaments.
The veterans’ cricket match between India and Pakistan scheduled for Sunday in the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham has been cancelled after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, withdrew citing the Pahalgam terror attack in April. The decision came after Indian players faced criticism on social media for agreeing to play against Pakistan, leading to multiple players including Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan boycotting the match.The WCL explained that the India-Pakistan fixture was announced following a recent volleyball match between the two nations, with the hope of creating happy memories for fans. However, they acknowledged that the decision may have unintentionally hurt sentiments and caused discomfort to several Indian legends. In light of this, the match was called off. The WCL also issued an apology for causing any hurt. The statement read: “We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments. Hence, we have decided to call off the India vs Pakistan match. We sincerely apologise again for hurting the sentiments and hope people will understand that all we ever wanted was to bring a few happy moments to the fans.” According to a report by India Today, According to a report by India Today, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and all-rounder Yusuf Pathan were among the first to opt out of the fixture. While the report did not confirm whether their withdrawals were officially communicated, it noted: “It is believed that the Pahalgam attack and its aftermath had a bearing on their decision.” Irfan Pathan also reportedly withdrew from the game. Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan confirmed on May 11 that he would not participate in the match against Pakistan. In a post on X, Dhawan shared an email he had sent to the tournament organisers, stating that the decision was made in light of the prevailing geopolitical situation.
