‘You cannot become world champions just because your country is going through trouble’ – Salman Butt takes potshots at Afghanistan

Salman Butt has come down hard on fans who suggested that Afghanistan players got added motivation during the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024 by thinking about the difficult situation their compatriots face back home.

Led by talismanic all-rounder Rashid Khan, Afghanistan made it to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 by beating teams like New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh, among others. This was their first semi-final appearance at a World Cup. The Blue Tigers garnered a lot of praise from cricket aficionados around the world for their spirited performance in the marquee event. Some fans and experts opined that the Afghanistan team was motivated due to the tumultuous condition back home.

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However, former Pakistan captain, Butt, quashed this school of thought, citing examples of teams like India and Australia, who do not have such problems in their country but are still consistent performers at ICC events. The former opener admitted that the Afghanistan team is passionate about the sport but mentioned that it isn’t enough to win them World Cups.

“What are the Pakistani players saying? They say Afghan players get motivated by being reminded of the conditions in their country. However, Australia have no such issues, so why do they win everything? India’s conditions are also good, but they are still very consistent. Did they fight a war to ensure their team plays well? It is fine to a point. I understand that they come from difficult conditions and are passionate about the game, but that’s about it. You cannot become world champions just on this basis,” Butt said while speaking on his official YouTube channel.

How will they win with just two batters?: Butt

In Afghanistan’s wins against New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh, the opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran yielded 103, 118, and 59, respectively. Butt lashed out at people who felt that Afghanistan should have won the showpiece event as the cricketer-turned-expert said that it isn’t possible to win tournaments on the back of just two batters.

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“I heard someone say that Afghanistan should have won. How will they win with just two batters? There’s nobody after their openers and people said they should win the World Cup. What’s this logic? Winning two matches doesn’t mean that you have a complete team,” Butt stated.

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