Ex-Pakistan cricketer reacts to being labeled as part of the 'worst team' with a question about self-perception.

Salman Butt, the former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has responded to recent criticisms from the British media, which labeled the current Pakistan squad as the "worst team in 50 years" following their significant loss to England in the first Test at Headingley. Butt defended the players, emphasizing that the team has never claimed to be a dominant force in international cricket and questioned the harshness of the media's tone.

In his remarks, Butt pointed out that the Pakistan team has always been realistic about its standing in the cricketing world. "We never said we were world champions. We never claimed to be a big team, nor did we boast about ourselves," he stated. He further challenged the media's perspective, suggesting that all teams go through phases of poor performance. "What do you think of yourself? What kind of things do you say? Phases come in teams. Teams might not play well," he added.

This exchange of words follows Pakistan's disappointing performance in the first Test of the three-match series, where they were defeated by an innings and 103 runs within three days. England's bowlers dominated, dismissing Pakistan for just 135 runs in their second innings after establishing a substantial first-innings lead of 238 runs. Mohammad Rizwan was the top scorer for Pakistan with 41 runs, while England's pace attack, led by Jofra Archer, consistently troubled the batsmen. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each took eight wickets in the match, with Robinson being named player of the match for his figures of 8-80.