'Pehle mujhe ye bataayein, kya ICC exist karta hai?' - Salman Butt leaves bold remarks over BCCI-PCB controversy

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has become the latest to give his verdict on the ongoing controversy between Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and he did not hesitate to come down hard at ICC for their silence. PCB responded in a statement that Pakistan might not travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2023 after ACC Chief Jay Shah revealed that India will not travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023. 

PCB also questioned Shah for his comments without consulting the Pakistan board or the ACC Members. Recently, India’s Union Minister of Sports, Anurag Thakur came up with a strong response to PCB’s statement by clearing that India has contributed a lot to the sport and cannot be ignored. The ascending debate did not end there and Butt has now questioned ICC for not taking up the matter. 

Those who bring revenue have more power: Salman Butt

Butt questioned if the ICC has been neutral between India and Pakistan and felt that India has had an edge because of their financial backup. He further noted that revenue is a big factor on ICC taking a stand and felt that the ICC meeting members have to speak up on the issue. 

“Firstly tell me, does ICC even exist? Is it neutral? Is there no influence there? Is India not the heavyweight there because they bring more financial backup to ICC?” Butt confessed in a video posted on his Youtube Channel

“You see their muscle on things like these. Those who bring revenue have more power. It happens everywhere. When Jay Shah presided the ICC meeting, it was decided that Pakistan will host Asia Cup. What he said then, is something only those who can attend the meeting can tell).”

Butt also felt that the solution to it should have been decided earlier and political tensions should not be involved in cricket matches.

“It was expected that India would say no. The solution to it should've been decided earlier. This happens everytime. The focus should be on the cricket so that fans and cricketers don't get affected. If there are political tensions, both teams should avoid touring one another. It shouldn't be that Pakistan tour India, but the latter doesn't come to Pakistan. PCB should show some strength, this is their chance.)," he added.