"Just because it's India..." - Salman Butt shuts down allegations of ICC favoring Rohit Sharma & Co. in T20 World Cup 2024

Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has rubbished the allegations of ICC favoring India in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The Pakistan cricket fraternity has been busy criticizing the ICC for giving an undue advantage to India.

One of the main reasons behind the allegations is that India's venue for the semifinal was already decided. India were scheduled to play the semifinal in Guyana irrespective of the result in the Super 8s. Several former cricketers did question the decision from the ICC. Recently, former England captain Michael Vaughan called it unfair. 

The Pakistan cricket fraternity has also been busy claiming that India have got undue advantage in the T20 World Cup. Their former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq went as far as accusing India of ball tampering in the competition.

Salman Butt defends India:

While the Pakistan cricket fraternity has been busy taking shots at India, Salman Butt has come out in their defense. The former Pakistan batsman started by admitting that there is indeed a lot of talking going on about ICC favoring India before pointing out that Pakistan would have been in a similar position had they managed to score 42 runs off as many balls against India. 

Pakistan bowed out of the tournament at the group stage after suffering losses against the USA and India. Against India, they could not chase down 120 runs even though they were on 72 for 2 after 12 overs. Speaking further, Butt also praised India for their performance in the ongoing tournament and also praised their cricket structure.

"There's a lot of talk going around - that the ICC favored them by scheduling their match in Guyana, and things like that. But honestly, if we had scored 42 runs in 42 balls with 8 wickets in hand, all those matches would have been ours. Let's not think that just because it's India, we have to say something," said Salman Butt.

"If we talk professionally and on merit, they have played better cricket. Their cricket pathways are very clear, they have clarity in their roles. Whether it's their leadership, coaching, or the system to build bench strength, they do all the relevant things right," he added.

Salman Butt: People are talking a lot, saying ICC has favored India. If we had scored 42 runs in 42 balls, all the matches would have been ours in Guyana. Our people don't like India winning. pic.twitter.com/XreGut2bQo

— Shahzaib Ali 🇵🇰 (@DSBcricket) June 29, 2024

Meanwhile, India will be taking on South Africa in the final on Saturday (June 29). The game is scheduled to take place in Barbados. India are eyeing their second T20 World Cup title and first since 2007. On the other hand, South Africa will be playing a World Cup final for the very first time.