The former captain of Pakistan’s cricket team, Salman Butt, has shared his point of view about the ongoing standoff between Pakistan and India regarding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking openly on ProPakistani’s How Does it Work? Podcast, Salman insisted on keeping decisions in favor of developments and long-term benefits in Pakistan cricket.
He recognizes the complexity of the situation but insists on keeping things realistic. He pointed out that the Champions Trophy could be a game-changer for Pakistan cricket. “Pakistan is within its rights to claim what they are claiming. But unfortunately, whatever happens in this world happens on the basis of economics, not on merit,” he said.
Also Read: South Africa Announces T20I Squad for Pakistan
Butt, too, did not bog down when he looked for cricketing authorities to find the way through the impasse. “If I was at the helm of affairs, I would see what is best for Pakistan cricket,” he added. “At the moment, you are not in a position where you can overcome the economic positions in the world.”
If India doesn’t come, the situation is serious, but Pakistan should be ready for everything, said Butt. Yet, in all the difficulties, Salman remains hopeful for a resolution that will work out in favor of the sport.
Indeed, with the countdown ticking towards 2025 slowly dwindling by the day in the Champions Trophy, the PCB and ICC have an uphill task in maneuvering one of cricket’s polemically charged rivalries. But for Salman Butt, the message is clear: Whatever the circumstances, Pakistan cricket must remain top of the agenda.