Salman Butt contradicts Wasim Akram and Ravi Ashwin, backs ODIs amid rising concerns

Over the past few weeks, several former and active cricketers have expressed their concern over the future of ODIs. Former Pakistan captain and pace legend Wasim Akram claimed that the format is “dying”, an opinion shared by Australian batsman Usman Khawaja.

Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra and Indian all-rounder Ravi Ashwin also criticised the nature of the format. The latter of the two even said that he “switches off” his television set after watching an ODI match for a while.

Salman Butt in favour of ODI cricket

Amidst the rising criticism, 50-overs cricket has now received the backing of ex-Pakistan skipper Salman Butt. Taking to his YouTube channel, the former opening batter labeled ODIs as one of the “pillars” of the game.

Butt believes the only difference between ODIs and T20Is is that the latter has professional cash-rich leagues all over the world. While he admitted to respecting Wasim Akram’s opinion, he reminded the pace legend that he has 502 wickets in ODI cricket, making him the second most successful bowler after Muttiah Muralitharan.

“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”, Butt said.

“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,” he added.

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