Did Salman Butt Take A Dig On Wasim Akram’s Remark On ODIs?
Wasim Akram and Salman Butt (Image Source: Twitter)
After the sudden decision of taking retirement from the ODI format of England’s Ben Stokes earlier this week, many former cricketers came in support of that. Former Pakistan legend, Wasim Akram also said that the format is dying as it is being dragged only.
Apart from him, some current cricketers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Usman Khwaja also stated that ODI cricket is “dying”. But, former Pakistan batter, Salman Butt has different opinions regarding that as he criticized the Pakistan legend, Wasim Akram, for his comment. He also said that the one-day format is a “pillar” of cricket, which should not be ended.
“I respect his opinion, but Wasim Akram also has 500 wickets in ODIs only.” – Salman Butt
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Butt said that players are considering leaving ODIs for T20Is and Tests only for more money. He said: “One-dayers have big tournaments but there are no leagues in it. So, if someone is facing exhaustion with a packed schedule, they prefer to retire from ODIs. This way, they can have a cash-rich option in T20s and the long format one in Tests,”
Regarding Wasim Akram’s comments on ODIs, Butt said that he fully respected his comments. But, Akram also picked up more than 500 wickets in the ODI format only. Even, two of his most famous deliveries came in the 50-over format World Cup only. “Wasim Bhai is our legend. Who are we to say anything to him. I respect his opinion, but he also has 500 wickets in ODIs only. The two deliveries he bowled in the World Cup that everyone remembers; you won’t see them in T20s. There’s not enough time in that format. He was the man of the match in the World Cup final,” Butt added.
Pakistan legend, Wasim Akram played 356 ODIs for his country where he scored 3717 runs along with 502 wickets. On the other hand, Salman Butt represented Pakistan in 78 ODIs where he scored 2725 runs, including 14 fifties and eight hundred.
