Former cricketer Salman Butt took a swipe at the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the glaring absence of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam in the Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 promotional video. Butt expressed his belief that Babar Azam’s exclusion from the promo was unjustified, as the renowned batsman deserves to be featured in such a prestigious advertisement.
On July 20, the ICC unveiled a two-minute and 13-second promo for the upcoming World Cup, showcasing celebrated moments from men’s cricket history. However, the video drew criticism from former cricketers, including Salman Butt, who believed that it focused too heavily on the glories of India and England, neglecting other teams and players.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Butt expressed his disappointment with the promo, pointing out that even legendary captains like MS Dhoni, Ian Chappell, and Imran Khan were also overlooked. He emphasized that such omissions could be perceived as biased and disheartening for fans.
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The ICC faced criticism for not adequately representing Pakistani players and moments in the video. While a brief clip of Shaheen Afridi’s celebration was included, key players like Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, and Mohammad Amir were shown in unfavorable situations.
Salman Butt stressed that Babar Azam’s absence from the promotional video cannot be overlooked, considering his stature as the current World No.1 ODI batter. He asserted that this exclusion reflects the mindset of those behind the promo’s creation and raises questions about their approach to inclusivity.
The World Cup will kick off with Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, facing the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 6. One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament will be the clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15.