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'We Never Cared About Our Players...,' Salman Butt Criticizes Asia Cup 2023 Schedule

image-lkau3u99Pakistan will host four matches of Asia Cup 2023 

The Asia Cup 2023 is being co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as revealed on Wednesday, has provoked controversy among cricketing circles. The tournament's schedule, which sees Pakistan participating in matches both at home and in Sri Lanka, has been a particular point of contention.


Salman Butt unhappy with Asia Cup 2023 schedule

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has been vocal in his critique, pointing out what he views as an unfair allocation of rest days for the Pakistani team. The tournament will see four matches take place in Pakistan, while Sri Lanka will host the remaining nine, including the final in Colombo.

Despite this apparent division of hosting duties, Pakistan's matches will involve significant travel, and what Butt has suggested is an insufficient rest period.


Butt's primary concern is the two-day gap between Pakistan's first match in Lahore and their second match in Sri Lanka. This, he contrasts with Sri Lanka's schedule, which includes a 4–5-day rest period before they travel to Pakistan for their second game. According to Butt, this discrepancy reveals a lack of consideration for the welfare of Pakistan players.

"It's a very strange schedule. Pakistan are playing their first match in Pakistan, then they will travel to Sri Lanka for the second match. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will play their first match in their home, and when they have to travel to Pakistan for the second game, they have a 4-5 days gap. Pakistan, who are originally the host nation, have only got two days gap. We never cared about our players," said Butt.

Meanwhile, according to the statement released by the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Jay Shah, Pakistan and India will retain their A1 and A2 positions irrespective of their positions after the first round.

If they fail to qualify, Nepal is slated to take their spot. Should both Pakistan and India qualify, their Super Fours match is scheduled for Colombo Likewise, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, in Group B, will hold their B1 and B2 positions. If either fails to advance to the Super Fours, Afghanistan will step in.