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KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt slammed English media for labelling Pakistan the "worst team in 50 years". - Butt defended Pakistan's homegrown squad, mocking England's reliance on overseas-born players. - He emphasised that while teams experienced rough form, Pakistan never falsely boasted or claimed to be a great team. Salman Butt hits back at English media's 'worst team' remark with '6 countries’ jibe Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has launched a blistering verbal attack on the British media following harsh criticism directed at the national team. UK outlets recently labelled the current Pakistani outfit as the "worst team in 50 years" after a series of poor performances in international cricket. Refusing to take the insults lightly, Butt accused English pundits of arrogance and hypocrisy. He noted that while Pakistan has struggled on the field, the team management and players have always remained humble about their standing and never boasted about being world beaters. Butt then delivered a stinging retort aimed straight at the identity of the English cricket team. He questioned England’s moral high ground by pointing out their long-standing history of drafting in players born and raised in foreign nations across the globe. MORE: 'Act like a leader': Basit Ali slams injured Babar for missing 1st Test vs England Salman Butt rips into England’s multi-national lineup Setting the record straight, Salman Butt emphasised that Pakistan fields a 100 percent homegrown squad. He contrasted Pakistan’s natural development pipeline with England's reliance on talent recruited from rival international boards and overseas domestic systems over the years. Defending Pakistan's modesty during difficult rebuilding periods, Butt stressed that his nation has never made inflated claims about its dominance on the global stage. "We never said we were world champions. We never claimed to be a big team, nor did we boast about ourselves," Butt stated. "What do you think of yourself? What kind of things do you say? Phases come in teams. Teams might not play well." Salman Butt takes another dig at English media — Pavilion Post (@CricinsightsX) August 24, 2026 “We never claimed to be a big team. At least our team is its own—not a Commonwealth side assembled from six different countries, with captain from Ireland and players from Scotland, South Africa or someone who played for WindiesU19” https://t.co/PdJN9AHLQ3 pic.twitter.com/XjVnSmxdWV Butt pulled no punches when dismantling England’s squad composition, listing the various nationalities that have represented the English crest in recent years. "At least no matter how our team is, even if it's the worst ever, it's our own," Butt declared. "It's not from a Commonwealth, with the captain from Ireland, the wicket-keeper from South Africa... one guy from Scotland, one guy Australian, and one guy from the West Indies. This isn't six nations playing as a team." MORE: Rashid Latif's hilarious justification for Pakistan's 1stTest defeat to England Valid retaliation or deflection from Pakistan’s slump? The explosive comments have sparked intense debate across the cricket fraternity, reigniting long-standing discussions around team selection policies, naturalised players, and the line between constructive media criticism and outright disrespect toward visiting teams. Butt’s fiery response hits on an uncomfortable truth regarding media double standards. While criticism of poor performance is entirely legitimate, sweeping claims labelling a touring side the "worst in half a century" cross into sensationalism, naturally provoking sharp emotional resistance from former players. However, bringing up England’s foreign-born stars does not solve Pakistan’s glaring tactical and structural issues on the field. Until Pakistan addresses its internal selection inconsistencies and skill gaps, fiery press statements will do little to reverse their declining fortunes in test and limited-overs cricket. For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages