Salman Butt slams ‘worst team in 50 years’ label after Pakistan’s heavy loss to England

England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley, with the match completed in under three days. Pakistan's second innings collapse saw them dismissed for 135 in 37.3 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan top-scoring with 41 runs. England's pace attack proved devastating, with Ollie Robinson claiming 8 wickets for 80 runs and Josh Tongue taking 8 for 89, while Jofra Archer removed both Pakistan openers.

Following the heavy defeat, British media outlets labelled Pakistan the 'worst team in 50 years', prompting a strong response from former Pakistan captain Salman Butt. Butt took to social media to defend his country's team, questioning the narrative being built around the performance and drawing comparisons with England's squad composition.

Butt rejects 'worst team' label

"We never said we were world champions. We never claimed to be a big team, nor did we boast about ourselves. What do you think of yourself? What kind of things do you say? Phases come in teams. Teams might not play well," Butt was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Butt emphasised that every international team experiences fluctuating form and that criticism should be measured against realistic expectations. He stressed that Pakistan's identity as a cricket nation remained intact regardless of short-term results, and that the team's struggles were part of a natural cycle in sport rather than evidence of permanent decline.

"At least no matter how our team is, even if it's the worst ever, it's our own. It's not from a Commonwealth, with the captain from Ireland, the wicket-keeper from South Africa...one guy from Scotland, one guy Australian, and one guy from the West Indies. This isn't six nations playing as a team," Butt continued.

Butt's comments highlighted the contrast between Pakistan's squad composition and what he perceived as England's reliance on players from different cricket nations. His remarks suggested that Pakistan's struggles should be viewed within the context of building a cohesive unit from domestic talent, rather than as evidence of fundamental weakness.

England captain Joe Root praised his team's response to the challenge.

"Brilliant performance. You look at the prep we had leading in, coming straight from the Hundred, the fact we're in a slight transition stage. I thought the way that we dealt with all of that, the clarity and the way the guys approached this week has been outstanding," said Root.