Salman Butt hopeful of Pakistan comeback; confident about form, fitness
December 11, 2017
KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt continues to be hopeful of a second chance to play international cricket after impressive domestic form since his return from his spot-fixing ban.
Speaking to Geo News, the 33-year-old said he is eager to represent Pakistan at the top level once again.
“I want to utilise my form and fitness for Pakistan team. The motivation to play [international cricket] again keeps me going,” he said, adding that he has been working “extremely hard for the past seven years to prove himself”.
The batsman said he was disappointed by the vague answers he has been receiving about the possibility of his return.
“I have been performing consistently in domestic cricket. I don’t know why I am still not given a chance.”
Also read: Mohammad Asif claims double standards by PCB in dealing with spot-fixing trio
Butt returned to domestic cricket in January 2016, after serving a five-year ban for his role in the spot-fixing scandal in England in 2010, along with fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir. He was 26 when he was banned, with 33 Tests, 78 ODIs and 24 T20Is to his name.
Amir has since been reintegrated into international cricket, whereas Asif has been playing in domestic circuit after serving his ban.
About Amir’s return, Butt said the young pacer has potential to be even better and achieve more.
“Amir is a spearhead of Pakistan bowling. I believe he can be even better than he is right now.”
