PAK vs NZ: He Is Not The Status Quo, Babar Azam Is Our Main Player - Salman Butt Lashes Out At Najam Sethi For His Statement

Salman Butt has lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi for his ‘status quo’ remarks on Babar Azam. The former Pakistani cricketer said that he shouldn’t use political language as the right-hander is their main batter.

There were a lot of speculations about Babar Azam’s captaincy with many fans and pundits wanting the PCB to remove him as skipper of at least one format. It basically was due to his poor performance as a captain as they suffered a thumping 3-0 loss against England in the Test series at home and also just managed to draw the series against New Zealand. Notably, they also lost to Australia at home in 2022.

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“For months media and cricketing circles have been discussing the pros and cons of retaining Babar Azam as captain in all formats of the game. Since this decision is ultimately Chairman’s, I have sought views of Selection Committees headed by Shahid Afridi and now Harood Rashid.”

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“Both Committees thought matter merited discussion but both later came to the conclusion that the status quo should be retained. I have subsequently publicly satted this positon. In the final analysis my decision will be subject to the success or failure of status quo.” Najam Sethi had said. 

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam Closing In On Indian Superstar After Third T20I Ton

PAK vs NZ: Salman Butt Not Happy With Najam Sethi

However, Najam Sethi using the status quo for Babar Azam didn’t go well with Salman Butt. He said that the PCB chairman also has a strong stance but he shouldn’t use political language for the cricket team as the right-hander is their main player and is winning the matches continuously for the team.

“One thing I appreciate about Najam Sethi is his stance on non-interference in cricket matters. He should have the same stance while giving statements about the Pakistan team’s matters. He is using political language. He [Babar] is not the status quo. Babar is our main player and currently the number one batsman. 

“Our success in winning matches over the past years has been largely due to Babar’s contributions. If he’s absent, we’re certain to lose, and if he fails to score, instead of drawing a red line around him, we should support and encourage him,” speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he said.

Babar Azam is currently captaining the team in the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan. He led from the front in the second game as he smashed his third T20I century. He will be next seen in action during the third game, which will take place on Monday (17th April).

Also Read: PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update-3rd T20I, 2023

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