Former Pakistan Captain Criticises Mohammed Shami's 'Personal Relations' Comment

Team India’s prime pacer Mohammed Shami recently stated in an interview that Pakistan should try to improve their selection process rather than making it a family team that primarily operates on personal relations. Yet, the comments did not go down well as the ex-Pakistan cricket team skipper Salman Butt believes that the comments were fired towards Inzamam-ul-Haq. He indicated that Inzamam played a role in Imam-ul-Haq, his nephew’s selection process during his time as the chief selector. Butt also added that the comments made by Shami were wrong and even went on to convey that it was a ‘dirty hit’ on his compatriot Inzamam. 

"Pakistan should not pick teams based on relations and friendships. Mohammed Shami's comments were targeted towards Inzamam-ul-Haq. He targeted Inzamam by speaking about Pakistan picking their team based on personal relations, and I think this is wrong. This is wrong because if you look at Imam's record, he came into the Pakistan team based on his performance. He was also dropped when he failed. Shami's remarks were below the belt and he shouldn't have said such things," he expressed.

"Yes, there was a controversy, which should've been avoided. A lot of people made statements, Inzamam also said something, Rohit Sharma also clarified, and the topic was over. But to say things about selecting players just because they are relatives is a dirty hit. Such things don't suit Mohammed Shami. He is a renowned bowler, like how Inzamam was a renowned captain," Butt added.

Previously, during an episode in a podcast, Shami had some advice for the Pakistan cricket team and their selection committee. 

"I don't understand why people find it necessary to target others. Improve your selection, and send a good team, they can do it, the talent is there. Do one thing, make it a family team if you want to run the team based on personal relations," Shami said.